Pushkar Camel Fair 2011 – Of Colours and Festivals

So how ready are you? I asked myself this as I packed my bags. We had all decided to go to the Pushkar fair. Now that I am in Ahmedabad and after the final semester was over, all of us would part ways and go the way we wanted, obviously it was imperative, we do something that would completely seal our college life in our memories. Yes all of us wanted to take back good memories of our times together. Well into the last semester, our placement interviews were due anytime and we had but two months to stay and enjoy together. So we decided that we would go to the Pushkar Camel Fair 2011 which is on November 2 this year.

I remember how we had gone last year. I told my friends that since I had been to the place last year I didn’t want to go again this year. But sometimes the travel and the place isn’t that important, it is the feeling of companionship and togetherness and camaraderie that wins over.  And that won over. So I decided to go again this year.

I remember how we had gone last year. Avinash, Rajguru, Satya and me. Satya was the only girl in the group but the tomboy she is, she was as much one of us. As we reached the place, all that we saw was colour and glory. Pushkar incidentally is a great pilgrim spot for many. They come across the world and come to this holy land just to get a holy feeling. These pilgrims who come here believe that coming here would give them the opportunity to absolve themselves of all their sins. Again. Pushkar fair is also a time where all the artists across the country come and showcase their talents. Visit the Pushkar Camel Fair 2011 surely as it would give you the chance to see what a beautiful country India is and what a treasure house of talents it is. As we had gone around seeing each person exhibiting what he could in the arena of art, the Rajasthani sadhus dominated the place with their saffron robes. The great music of India is so varied and with so many tunes and hymns that our entire life isn’t enough to completely listening to all of them. Pushkar fair gave us a chance to listen to innumerable genre of music. People also participate in events here. I had thought last year that this year we would do something there. But schedules and academics took over and soon the time for another Pushkar Camel Fair had arrived and I wasn’t prepared. It wouldn’t have been difficult as there are organizers who ensure that you could get to do what you want. You have to inform them in advance.

Last year, I remember how animals were auctioned and we looked on in absolute amazement at this sight. There were so many of them with their animals and this is the auction market for such people. People sell and buy animals here as they feel the animals are of good quality. Pushkar Camel Fair not only showcases, talents and arts it also showcases a lot of temples too. Yes Pushkar is land of temples. The popular temples here are very much a favourite of the tourist and there are so many of them who come here just to enjoy the experience here in the temples in and around Pushkar. The Varaha temple was one we had gone to and we were quite struck by its architecture. Then there was the Brahma temple and this too had a distinct kind of construction which was very typical of the constructions of the past. The Mahadeva temple also had a lot to boast about.

Normally the Pushkar Camel Fair is for five days. This five day festival starts on the Kartik Ekadashi day and the fifth day is the Kartik Purnima Day. India is a land of fairs and the Pushkar Camel Fair is actually one of the largest and the biggest.

There is a legend about this fair too. Yes. As with all other important structures, the Pushkar fair also has a history behind it. It is believed that lord Brahma who is the Hindu God of Creation comes here and visits Pushkar every year. So all pilgrims believe that taking a dip here would give them a chance to repent for their sins.

Pushkar Camel Fair 2011 is going to be a great affair as we would also get to see the carnival surrounding here. Yes there is a lot of colour and carnival atmosphere in the land of Pushkar. There are many competitions like the bridal competition and moustache competition, paint competition etc.

Again if you are in Rajashtan and don’t go on a camel, then you have not completely enjoyed the trip. So go on the camel safari here and enjoy the whole of Rajashtan from a height. Enjoy the village scenes here and also the beauty of the surroundings.