Pushkar Mela Rajasthan: Best Guide to Pushkar Camel Fair 2025

Ever seen a camel in a beauty pageant or even in a dance competition? Well, this is your chance to witness such fun experiences at the world’s largest camel fair in Pushkar. Held each year in October or November on Kartik Purnima, the Pushkar Camel Fair is also called the Pushkar Mela Rajasthan or simply the Pushkar Festival, and it is more than you might think.

Traders bring more than 30,000 camels and cattle, and there are quirky contests like the longest moustache, matka‑phod, turban‑tying and camel races. Folk dancers spin, musicians play and locals invite tourists to join games. It really feels like a carnival in the desert.

Many Rajasthan tour packages include this vibrant Pushkar Fair because it is the best way to see Rajasthan’s culture up close. If you love colour, music and quirky competitions, the Pushkar Camel Fair 2025 deserves a spot on your travel wish‑list.

Highlights and Key Details of Pushkar Camel Fair India

• Pushkar Festival of Rajasthan is the world’s largest camel and livestock fair, where more than 30,000 camels and cattle are traded, dressed up for races and beauty contests.
• The Pushkar Mela Date for the year 2025 is from 30 October to 5th November.
• The Pushkar Mela location is spread across the lakes in Pushkar and the large mela ground, just on the outskirts of the town.
• The festivities typically start early in the morning, around 6 AM until 9 PM; the morning begin with religious rituals, the afternoons are filled with competitions and the evenings are to enjoy the cultural performances.
• Pushkar Mela Rajasthan happens in the holy month of Kartik, around October–November; pilgrims bathe in the sacred lake on Kartik Purnima and visit the only Brahma temple in India.
• At the Pushkar Fair you can watch quirky contests like the longest‑moustache competition, turban‑tying, matka‑phod and camel decoration.
• Pushkar Camel Fair India attracts tourists and expats from around the world, and even foreigners join local games like Kabaddi, tug‑of‑war and the bride‑and‑groom contest.
• Activities at Pushkar Camel Fair include camel safaris, hot‑air balloon rides, shopping for colourful handicrafts and tasting Rajasthani food like dal baati churma and rabri.
• The Pushkar Mela Rajasthan has been celebrated for over a century; it began as a small livestock market and has grown into a colourful carnival of culture and commerce. Set beside the Thar Desert and Pushkar Lake, the event transforms the quiet town into a bustling marketplace and carnival
• Bathing in Pushkar Lake of Rajasthan during the Pushkar festival is believed to wash away sins and heal illnesses. Legend says the lake appeared when Lord Brahma dropped a lotus flower, so thousands of sadhus and pilgrims gather here.

What is the significance/ history of Pushkar Mela?

According to legend, the history of Pushkar Mela begins with a battle between Lord Brahma and a demon named Vajra Nabha. Some myths say the demon killed Brahma’s sons, so the creator used a lotus as his weapon; three petals fell to earth and formed lakes at Jyeshtha, Madhyama and Kanishtha - the largest is Pushkar Lake.

Another version says Brahma dropped lotus petals to choose a place for a sacred yagna; he performed the ritual on the lakeside and was later cursed by his wife Savitri to be worshipped only in Pushkar. This sacred story explains why the Pushkar fair is so tied to religion and why the history of Pushkar Mela is more than just a livestock market.

Each dawn during Pushkar Mela Rajasthan, thousands of devotees bathe at 52 ghats, light lamps and offer flowers, believing the holy waters can wash away sins and cure skin diseases. Priests chant mantras, bells ring, and evening aarti fills the ghats with a golden glow. After their rituals, pilgrims explore places to visit in Pushkar like the Brahma Temple, hilltop shrine of Savitri Mata and ancient ghats, keeping the divine origin of the festival alive.

Things to do at the Pushkar Mela Rajasthan

1. Attend rituals at Pushkar Lake: One of the most sacred Activities at Pushkar Camel Fair is taking an early‑morning dip in the holy lake and attending the evening aarti. Pilgrims light lamps and chant at the 52 ghats, creating a spiritual start to your day.

2. Ride in a Hot‑Air Balloon: For a bird’s‑eye view of the fairground and sand dunes, book a hot‑air balloon ride. This unique adventure lets you see the colourful tents, camels and worshippers from above and is among the most memorable things to do at the Pushkar Mela.

3. Desert adventures: If you are looking for more things to do in Pushkar, hop on a camel for a desert safari, take a jeep ride across the dunes or try quad biking. These Activities at Pushkar Camel Fair show off the rugged beauty of the Thar Desert.

4. Join cultural activities: Things to do at the Pushkar Mela include riding decorated camels, playing local games like gilli danda, tug‑of‑war or kabaddi, and taking a holy dip alongside devotees. Participating in these traditions makes you feel part of the fair.

5. Watch unique competitions: Moustache contests, turban‑tying races, matka phod, sand art and camel beauty pageants are crowd‑pullers. These unique shows are among the most popular Activities at Pushkar Camel Fair, giving the event its fun, circus‑like vibe.

6. Enjoy cultural performances: Folk musicians, Kalbelia dancers, snake charmers and puppet shows entertain visitors throughout the day. Evening performances by local artists are a must‑see.

7. Photography: Capture the Pushkar Mela Rajasthan through your lens. The fair provides a lot of photo opportunities of camel trading, vibrant costumes, unique activities and the bustling bazaar. Try wearing the traditional attire for your photos and don’t forget candid shots of the cattle and local people.

8. Try local dishes: The food of Rajasthan shines at Pushkar Fair. Savour dal‑baati‑churma, malpua and rabri at street stalls, and go café‑hopping for global cuisines when you need a break from the heat.

9. Explore other places in Pushkar: Between events, visit the Brahma Temple, Savitri Temple (for best sunrise or sunset views) and other places like the Varaha temples, Man Mahal, etc.

10. Shop for unique items: The bazaar is packed with handmade jewellery, camel‑leather goods and colourful textiles. Look for souvenirs at the many places to shop in Pushkar and bargain for spices, turbans and brassware as a memento of your trip.

How to Reach Pushkar Camel Fair

If you are planning to visit the Pushkar Camel fair 2025, here are the best ways to reach there:

• By Air: The nearest airport to the Pushkar fair is Kishangarh Airport, 40 km away, but it handles only a few domestic flights. Most visitors travelling for the Pushkar Mela Rajasthan prefer to fly to Sanganer (Jaipur International Airport), which is about 146 km from Pushkar. Jaipur is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and even international hubs like Dubai. From Jaipur you can hire a taxi or take a bus for the 2–3 hour drive to Pushkar.
• By Rail: Pushkar has a small railway station with limited trains; the nearest major railhead is Ajmer Junction, about 15 km away. Ajmer connects to Delhi and Jaipur via the Pink City Express and Shatabdi Express, and there are regular trains from Mumbai, Ahmedabad and other big cities. From Ajmer station, state buses to Pushkar cost ₹20–50 and take around 45 minutes, while taxis cost around ₹500 - 700 for the short journey. (The fare maybe higher during Pushkar fair)
• By Road: For many travellers wondering How to reach Pushkar, road travel is the easiest option. The town is well connected to Jaipur (143 km), Jodhpur (186 km), Delhi (about 400 km) and other cities via National Highways. Frequent RSRTC buses run from Ajmer and Jaipur, and buses from Ajmer leave every day. If you prefer to drive yourself, hire a car or taxi in Jaipur or Ajmer and enjoy the scenic journey through the Aravalli hills before joining the colourful fair.

Suggested Reads: 13 Best Restaurants in Pushkar

Best Time to Visit Pushkar Fair

The Pushkar Mela date changes slightly each year, but for 2025 it runs from 30 October to 5 November. Here is a breakdown of how these 5 days look like for your to plan your visit accordingly

• Morning: Early hours are for camel trading and rituals. Around 6:30 AM, locals and tourists join a nature walk from Sanjhi Chatt or Gurudwara, while others head to the lake for a holy dip. Competitions like Mandana painting and girls’ dance performances start around 10 AM, and football matches with foreigners begin at 11 AM.
• Afternoon: Mid‑day brings sporting events and handicrafts. You can watch Langri‑Tang, Gilli‑Danda and Satolia matches, plus the Inter Panchayat Samiti rural sports that run into the afternoon. Browse the Shilpgram Handicraft Bazaar, which opens around 4 PM, but remember the desert sun is strong, so carry water and take breaks in the shade.
• Evening: After sunset the fair transforms into a cultural carnival. Deepdaan ceremonies at the lake around 6 PM involve floating lamps, followed by Bhajan Sandhya and Maha Aarti around 7 PM. Cultural performances, gypsy dances and fireworks light up the night, making evenings the most magical time to enjoy the fair’s energy.

Ideal Itinerary to Plan Around Pushkar Festival

The Pushkar Camel Fair India is one of the most colorful events in the country. The next Pushkar Mela date is from October 30 to November 5, 2025, and the Pushkar Mela Location is the holy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan. This 8 Days itinerary combines the famous Golden Triangle - Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur with the magic of the Pushkar Fair.

Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and spend the day exploring India’s lively capital. Visit the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and the bustling Chandni Chowk market before relaxing overnight.

Day 2 – Delhi to Agra

Travel to Agra by road. At sunrise, see the Taj Mahal in all its glory, then explore Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh for a view of the Taj across the river. Overnight in Agra.

Day 3 – Agra to Jaipur

Drive to Jaipur, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri on the way. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner or shop in the local markets.

Day 4 – Jaipur

Spend the day visiting Amber Fort, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar. Walk through the Pink City to see Hawa Mahal and soak in the charm of Jaipur’s bazaars.

Day 5 – Jaipur to Pushkar

Head to Pushkar, a small holy town surrounded by desert hills. Visit the sacred Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple before watching the sunset from Savitri Temple hilltop.

Day 6 – Pushkar Camel Fair

Enjoy the fair’s colorful events—camel trading, races, folk dances, music, and cultural competitions. The fairgrounds are alive with energy, and this is the perfect day to experience the vibrant local culture.

Day 7 – Pushkar

Spend another day exploring the fair and wandering through Pushkar’s narrow lanes filled with handicraft shops. In the evening, relax by the ghats where pilgrims gather for evening prayers.

Day 8 – Pushkar to Jaipur/Delhi

Return to Jaipur or Delhi for your onward journey. Spend any spare time shopping or relaxing before departure.

Stay Options During Pushkar Camel Fair

The Pushkar Festival brings thousands of visitors, and stay options fill up fast and the cost may rise exponentially as the fair dates get closer. So it is highly recommended that you book your stay well in advance. Here are some choices for every budget:

• Budget stays (₹800–1,500/night) - Hostels like Zostel Pushkar, Moustache, GoStops and small guesthouses near the lake. Great for backpackers who want to be close to all the things to do at the Pushkar Mela.
• Mid-range hotels (₹1,500–3,500/night) - Boutique hotels such as Inn Seventh Heaven or Pushkar Palace offer rooftop dining, lake views, and cozy rooms perfect for couples or families.
• Luxury tents & resorts (₹5,000–15,000+/night) - Experience desert camping in Rajasthan during the Pushkar fair by choosing stays like Pushkar Adventure Desert Camp, Royal Desert Camp. You can also stay at heritage resorts like Ananta Spa & Resorts. These include cultural shows, meals, and bonfires for a complete festival feel.

Tips for Visiting Pushkar Mela Rajasthan

• Walking involved: Vehicles are not allowed near the mela ground, so you will need to walk a lot. Wear comfortable shoes or sandals to enjoy without getting tired.
• Keep valuables safe: The fair gets very crowded. Always keep your phone, wallet, and passport in a secure bag.
• Bargain smartly: Prices for shopping, camel rides, and other activities are often quoted high. Bargain politely to get a fair deal.
• Check the schedule: Events like camel races, cultural shows, and holy rituals happen on fixed days. Check the program in advance so you don’t miss your favorite activities.
• Book stays early: Hotels, camps, and guesthouses fill up quickly during the fair. Reserve your stay months in advance.
• Stay hydrated and protected: Carry a water bottle and use sunscreen—the desert sun can be strong.
• Respect the culture: Pushkar is a holy town, so dress modestly and be respectful at temples and ghats.
• Evening aarti: Don’t miss the evening prayer ceremony at the ghats—it’s a beautiful and peaceful experience.