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Pushkar Fair
Location : 11km North-West of Ajmer, Rajasthan
Feature : Hindu Pilgrimage
Attraction : Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Cattle Fair
Pushkar
is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the north-west of Ajmer.
About 400 temples and shrines are located at Pushkar around its holy lake, which
finds a mention in the Padma Purana. Legend has it that Lord Brahma in search
for a spot to hold his 'yagna' (religious ritual), dropped the lotus from his
hand, the three spots touched by this flower were turned into lakes. These are
today known as the 'Jyeshtha Pushkar' (main Pushkar), the 'Madhyam Pushkar'
(medium Pushkar) and the 'Kanishtha Pushkar' (little Pushkar). A temple dedicated
to Lord Brahma is located at Pushkar; the other important temples are those
of Gayatri, Savitri, Shiv and Badri Narayan.
RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE
The Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 flights of steps, called 'ghats', many
having special legendary importance. Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared
at the Varah Ghat in the form of a boar. Brahma took a bath here and performed
Yajna at the Brahma Ghat, accompanied by Vishnu and Mahadev. Guru Govind Singh
chose this site for reciting the sacred Guru Granth Sahib. The ashes of Mahatma
Gandhi were immersed at the Gandhi Ghat, which was previously called Gau Ghat.
DURATION
There
is a steady flow of pilgrims throughout the year to Pushkar, which is among
the five principal places of Hindu pilgrimage. It is, however transformed into
a bustling fair-ground in the month of Kartik (October-November) when the annual
Pushkar Fair and a cattle fair are held simultaneously. The fair starts from
Kartik Shukla Ekadashi and goes on for 12 days, till Kartik Purnima. Both the
religious fair and the cattle fair are now internationally renowned tourist
attractions. A small fair is held in the month of Baisakh, which is primarily
a local event.
THE HOLY DIPS ( SNAN )
People consider the water of the Pushkar Lake to be very sacred and the ritual
of taking dips in the holy water is believed to bestow salvation. The holy
dip is most auspicious on Kartik Poornima. Even before sunrise, people descend
the ghats, aided by the 'pandas' (Brahmin priests) to take the sacred bath.
Offerings of coconut, flowers, and cash are made to the lake and the priests.
VISITING THE TEMPLE
After bathing at the lake, people proceed to pay homage to the creator of
the Universe, Lord Brahma, at the Brahma Temple.
PARIKRAMA
Most
pilgrims perform the oblations at the Jyeshtha Pushkar while some opt to visit
all the three Pushkar and this is called the Panch-Kosi-Parikrama. Many pilgrims
visit all the shrines at Pushkar in seven days and this is called the Chaubis-Kosi-Parikrama.
FLOATING LAMPS ( DEEP DAN )
It is customary to float lighted earthen lamps after placing them on 'pattals'
(plates made of leaves) on the waters of the lake. This creates a spectacular
view in the evening when the sacred lake takes on a mystical tint sprinkled
with twinkling spots of light. 'Aarti' is offered at the lake in the morning
and evening.
CATTLE FAIR
The world-famous Fair is held in the sacred and peaceful town of Pushkar, 11
kms. north-west of Ajmer. It transforms into a spectacular fair ground for twelve
days during the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov).
The Pushkar Fair, a major tourist attraction draws people from all over the
globe to the ancient and secluded environment of Pushkar town. Pushkar Fair
is perhaps the largest cattle fair in the world. Rajasthan which is enriched
by cattle wealth is the home to many recognized breeds of cattle.
In conjunction with the religious fair, a cattle fair is also organised in the
month of Kartik at Pushkar Cattle-breeders bring a large number of cattle of
various popular breeds such as Nagauri, Haryanvi, Mewati, Kankrej etc. to the
fair to be sold to the rural folk who appreciate well-bred animals. The cattle
are decorated by their owners during Pushkar fair and also participate in the
races and are paraded on the sand dunes.
PUSHKAR FAIR
The
ancient town of Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular fair ground in the
month of Kartik. The fair attracts a great number of tourists from far and wide.
The fair-grounds reverberate with festivity, as rows of make shift stalls display
a bewildering array of items that compete with each other for the visitors'
attention. But the highlight of Pushkar fair is the trading in camels. Camels
are bought, sold, decked up and paraded on the sand dunes, presenting a picturesque
sight. The camel, horse and donkey races are events that draw huge attendance.
Body tattooing is yet Horse race. Pushkar another favorite activity that attracts
a large number of enthusiasts.
The Pushkar fair brings together a large number of villagers from different
parts of the state. Some come here to sell. Some come here to buy. Some come
here on a pilgrimage. Still others come here just to enjoy the festivities.
The days are filled with fun and activity. The evenings are filled with music
and dance. Come dusk, and the rich strains of haunting music are carried across
the desert sands as the merrymaking continues deep into the night. The profusion
of colours that run riot in the desert sands, the glee and the contagious
enthusiasm of the village folk are a unique experience for every visitor.
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