Pushkar is one of the oldest or holy cities in Rajasthan, India. Located 11 km to the northwest of Ajmer and surrounded by hillocks on three sides. A serpentine road, the ‘Nag Pahar’ forms a natural border between Ajmer and Pushkar. Popularly known as “the rose garden of Rajasthan” and “the temple town of Rajasthan” Pushkar is home to almost 400 temples and 52 Ghats with a rich cultural heritage and an interesting history.
The place is also one of the divine pilgrimage destinations, especially for the Hindu devotees. It is believed that the town is an abode of Lord Brahma. In Sanskrit, Pushkar means blue lotus flower. Pushkar has an interesting history. As per the sacred scripture of Hindu religion Padma Purana, Lord Brahma once came across a demon named Vajranash, who was killing people of the town. Seeing such atrocity, the Lord slayed the demon with a lotus flower (his special weapon). While doing so, some petals from the lotus flower fell at three places on the ground. This resulted in the creation of three sacred lakes, which in today’s times are known as the Jyestha Pushkar, the Madhya Pushkar and Kanishta Pushkar.
To protect Pushkar from demons, a yagna was performed by Brahma at the Jyestha Pushkar Lake, and To perform the yajna, Savitri, the wife of Brahmaji was needed. However, she was not present there and Brahma married a girl (Gayatri) from the Gurjar community to complete his yagna. Enraged by the news of Brahma’s wedding, Savitri cursed that people would worship Brahma only in Pushkar. The Pushkar temple still has Gurjar priests known as Bhopas.
The main attraction of Pushkar is always the famous Pushkar Mela (Fair), which is an annual event where camel and other livestock are traded among local communities. People from different parts of Rajasthan come to Pushkar to trade and take a holy dip in the Pushkar Lake around Kartik Purnima. It is believed that the holy Pushkar Lake has unique powers to heal all kinds of diseases and wash away all kinds of sins. This fair happens during the holy month of Kartik (according to the Hindu calendar) between Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima.
Pushkar Mela is a perfect amalgamation of vibrant colors and the rich traditional culture of Rajasthan. This Mela (fair) is held every year in this holy month. Preparations for the fair begin soon after Diwali The fair begins on Ashtami day (8th day of the Kartik month) and lasts till Kartik Poornima (full moon night). The first 4-5 days are reserved for the camel fair considered the largest such fair in Asia.
camels race
snake charmers 
tight rope balancing
For the entertainment of the people, the fair has many games and events for tourists, both domestic and foreign. like camels races, folk and fusion music dance concerts, the Matka (water pot) race between domestic and foreign tourists, mustache competition are one of the most popular activities at the Pushkar Mela, turban tying competition, tight rope balancing and snake charmers.
Special Activities is the hot air balloons ride in the mornings and evenings. Then take up the Pushkar Fair walking tour which takes place twice a day. You will find a perfect story in every corner. Pushkar Fair is not only a place for business among local communities but a place for social interactions, recreation and entertainment as well.
IIP Educational trip experienced by students of diploma in fine art of photography
