The Pushkar Camel Fair is a fascinating holiday in India that is comprised of 2 main events: tradesmen converging to trade some 50,000 camels and religious rituals related to the holy Kartik Purnima festival, which is held here on the full moon in the Hindu lunar month of Kartika. In 2016, the Pushkar Camel Fair will be held Wednesday 2 November to Friday 11 November. The festival takes place in Pushkar, a small town located in Rajasthan state at the edge of the Thar Desert.
Over 200,000 camel traders, religious pilgrims, and tourists come together to participate or witness the camels and extravagant carnival atmosphere. A camel race starts off the festivities, and then the animals are shaved, elaborately adorned with jewelry, bells, and bangles, and paraded around- they even have beauty contests! The tradesmen buy, sell, and trade camels, cows, sheep and goats.
On the banks of Pushkar Lake, whose water is believed to have medicinal powers, pilgrims bathe and wash away sins before visiting the ancient Brahma temple. There is also a huge carnival: with musicians, magicians, parades, dancers, acrobats, snake charmers and rides. Some of the events that attract a lot of visitors are the competitions, such as the “longest mustache,” or the “bridal competition” (a type of bridalwear fashion show). Check out this short clip of this amazing holiday in India:
Here’s another view of the festival:
How cool would this be to go visit? Have you ever seen anything like this?
This is one holiday I’ve never even heard of. It sounds like so much fun! I’d love to have the chance to witness the festivities one day 🙂
I know!!! I would love to see them in person!:)