Pushkar Camel Fair
Desert carnival of camels, colour & culture
Significance
Held on Kartik Purnima, believed to be the day Lord Brahma performed a yagna at Pushkar Lake. Pilgrims bathe to wash away sins; traders bring camels, horses and cattle from across Rajasthan.
One of the world's largest camel fairs, set against the sacred Pushkar lake in the Thar desert. Livestock trading by day, folk performances by night, and the full-moon bathing ritual at its climax.
First-time visitor
Start at the ghat before sunrise, wander the fairground after breakfast, catch folk music at twilight.
What to see
- Kartik Purnima holy dip at sunrise
- Longest-moustache competition
- Matka phod (pot-breaking) contest
- Folk dance & Kalbeliya performances
Festival foods
Best for
Travel tips
- 1Book 3 months ahead — tents sell out
- 2Dawn visits offer the best light for photos
- 3Carry layered clothing: cold nights, warm days
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Pushkar
Rajasthan
India's most sacred lake town — the only Brahma temple on earth, 52 bathing ghats, and a November camel fair that doubles the population to 200,000 for one week of folk music, pilgrimage, and livestock trading.
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Questions & Answers
About Pushkar Camel Fair
Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 is scheduled for 20–25 Nov 2026. That's 210 days from today.
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