All You Need to Know About the Pushkar Camel Fair in India

Every year, the small desert town of Pushkar in Rajasthan comes alive with all the colors, music, and a thousands of camels. The Pushkar Camel Fair, also called Pushkar Mela, is one of India’s most famous festivals. It is not only a place to buy and sell camels and other animals but also a huge celebration of culture, tradition and devotion. People from all over country and the world come to see this amazing event. If you are thinking of visiting, here is a simple guide to everything you need to know.

What Makes Pushkar Camel Fair Special?

The Pushkar Camel Fair is much more than just any cattle market. Picture a thousands of camels, horses and cattle converging in the desert and traders showcase their best animals, dressing camels in colorful attire with bright tassels, beaded necklaces, mirrored saddles and intricate patterns painted on their fur.

Alongside this, you will find folk musicians, dancers, snake charmers, fire-eaters and artisans selling everything from hand-embroidered fabrics to traditional silver jewellery. It is, quite simply the best way to explore Rajasthan’s culture in its purest form.

Pushkar Fair 2025: All Details

This time, Pushkar Camel Fair 2025 starts on Thursday, 30 October 2025, and will end on Wednesday, 05 November 2025 resulting in the sacred full moon day, Kartik Purnima on 5th. This is when thousands of devotees take ritual baths in Pushkar Lake, believing it will cleanse their sins.

Where is Pushkar Fair Held?

Pushkar town is about 11 km from Ajmer in Rajasthan. During the fair, vast stretches of the desert on the town’s outskirts are transformed into temporary tented settlements and trading grounds.

Main Highlights for Pushkar Fair-

Camel and livestock trading: Thousands of camels and horses bought and sold.

Camel beauty contests - Judges pick the most beautifully decorated camels.

Camel races and dances - Yes, camels really do dance - visit once and you will believe.

Craft bazaar - Rows of stalls selling handicrafts, leather goods, jewelry and textiles.

Religious rituals - Mass bathing at the ghats and grand aartis at Brahma Temple.

Longest moustache competition

Turban tying competitions

Folk performances

Hot air balloon rides

Expected Visitors - Over 500,000 visitors including domestic pilgrims, foreign tourists, traders and photographers.

What are the Religious Aspects of the Pushkar Fair?

Pushkar is a very holy place for Hindus. This place has the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, who is believed to be the creator of the universe. According to Hindu stories, Lord Brahma dropped a lotus flower here and that is why the town is called Pushkar, which means “Blue Lotus Flower.”

During this Pushkar Fair, that too, especially on the full moon day called Kartik Purnima, thousands of people come to take a bath in the prestigious Pushkar Lake. They believe this holy dip washes away their sins and helps them find peace and salvation. This makes the fair not just a celebration but also a very important spiritual event.

Best Places to Stay Near Pushkar Fair

The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa – Khasra No. 1242 1243, 1196/1726, Village Surajkund, Motisar Rd, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022

Ananta Spa & Resorts – Village-Leela Sevri, Ajmer, Pushkar Rd, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022

Pushkar Palace Hotel –Near, Lake, Choti Basti, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022

Rajasthan Royal Desert Camp – Kharekhari Rd, behind Rangmahal, Ganahera, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022

Inn seventh heaven - next to Mali ka mandir, Choti Basti, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022

Travel Tips for First - Time Pushkar Fair Travellers

If you are travelling from abroad to attend the Pushkar Camel Fair, here are some handy tips to help your trip go smoothly and enjoyably:

• Book Early: Pushkar is a busy place during the fair. If you want to book a hotel or camp, try to book at least 2 – 3 months ahead to guarantee you get your preferred place. By the time of the festival, there is usually quite a rush.
• Vehicle booking: It's not the Fair place that is in rush; people coming from different places pre-book their vehicles to avoid any type of hassle. So if you are an outsider, especially from the capital city, pre-book your car, bus seats or even a tempo traveller on rent.
• Dress Respectfully: The Pushkar is a holy town, so it's best to dress with clothing that covers your shoulders and knees as much as possible, particularly when in and around the temples and lake.
• Take a hot air balloon ride to see the fair and the desert from above. It will be the ride of a lifetime!
• Watch the camel decoration contest and see the color and energy in the folk dances in the evening.
• Stay hydrated: It will get hot during the day, so if you plan to be out for a long time you will want to take bottled water with you, wear a hat, and use sunscreen.
• Transportation: If you are travelling with friends or family, it could be beneficial to book a tempo traveller. This is a safe way to move around, without having to rely on taxi, and can make moving around quite easy.
• Be Respectful: No alcohol or meat is allowed in Pushkar. Also, always ask before taking someone’s photo—it’s polite and appreciated.

Final Words

The Pushkar Camel Fair is more than a fair. It is an experience that stays with you forever. When you are surrounded by thousands of beautifully decorated camels, hearing the sound of drums echoing around the desert with everything covered in the essence of devotion, you will see why so many return year after year. If you are searching for culture, adventure as well as stories like no other, you do not want to miss this camel fair in Rajasthan.

So mark your calendars dates from October 30 to November 5 2025 and join the magic of Pushkar.