Pushkar Fair

 

Sachin Kaushik

 

The holy city of Pushkar is located in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, India. Pushkar is one of the five sacred pilgrimage sites for devout Hindus.

Every year Pushkar plays host to the Pushkar Fair which is now well known world over for its Religious fervour, festivities and the camel  fair that takes place along the sidelines of this annual gathering. The Pushkar fair occurs every year in the Hindu month of kartik (October /November).

 

During the fair Pushkar is transformed from a quiet little town into a centre of cultural activity which is full of colour, sights and smells very distinct to India. The village folk visit the fair dressed in all their finery. Tall Men in bright coloured turbans, with their weather-beaten, tanned faces supporting large well-kept moustaches, ears pierced with gold and silver rings and tops, women wearing colourful Gagra - Cholis and bright coloured Odhnis on their heads. Ears, necks, arms and feet are laden with chunky silver and gold jewellery. 

The photo opportunity provided at the Pushkar fair is tremendous and that’s why I cover this fair. I was there to feel the local atmoshphere and it was so welcoming and unforgettable.

There is a big Mela Ground where all the cultural activities takes place. These contests and competitions are organised in the vast, specially-built amphitheatre on the outskirts of the town. A festive, carnival atmosphere prevails in Pushkar during the fair's two week duration. Giant ferris wheels and open air theatres offer amusement, while food stalls do a brisk trade, as do the shops that sell a fascinating variety of goods. In the evening, people huddle around campfires listening to Rajasthani folk ballads.

The best part of the fair was the streets of town; you can find there lots of locals and tourists, street vendors, various shops and roadside eat outs.

It was a nice experience to roam the streets and capture them.