Pushkar Mela

Name: Pushkar Mela
Start: 2026-10-25
End: 2026-11-03
Location: Pushkar

Rajasthan’s Greatest Carnival Where Desert, Camels, Color, and Prayer Converge

2026/10/25 - 2026/11/03

Every November, the desert town of Pushkar in Rajasthan is enveloped in the vibrant energy, color, sounds, and scents of the Pushkar Mela—one of the world’s largest camel fairs. For a week, over 200,000 visitors and as many as 50,000 camels, horses, and cattle gather, transforming the desert landscape into a living tapestry of tradition, commerce, and celebration. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a spiritual pilgrim, or a traveler seeking the extraordinary, Pushkar Mela is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that stimulates all five senses[1][2][3][4][5][6][8].

This festival takes place every October or November in Pushkar, coinciding with the Kartik Purnima full moon on the Hindu calendar. Locals, traders, pilgrims, and travelers from around the world gather to enjoy a unique blend of livestock fair, religious ritual, and Rajasthan’s legendary hospitality[1][2][3][4][5][6][8].

Main Attractions

Camel Fair and Livestock Trading

The heart of Pushkar Mela is the camel fair. Camels adorned with colorful beads, mirrored ornaments, and henna patterns parade through the grounds, compete in beauty contests, and are actively traded. The air is filled with the earthy scent of animals, hay, and sand, the calls of traders, and the jingle of camel bells. Camel herders in vibrant turbans stand out against the golden dunes[1][2][3][5][6][8].

Signature Events & Contests

Pushkar Mela is famous for its unique competitions and performances. There are mustache contests, turban-tying races, camel decoration contests, and thrilling camel races that kick up clouds of sand. Folk music and dance are ever-present, with the sounds of the sarangi, dholak, and swirling ghagras filling the air. Ritual bathing in the sacred Pushkar Lake and the lighting of diyas (oil lamps) at dusk are the festival’s spiritual highlights[1][3][5][6].

Costumes and Decorations

Locals and visitors alike dress in Rajasthan’s distinctive style—women in mirror-worked lehengas and dupattas with silver jewelry, men in white dhotis and flamboyant turbans. The fairgrounds are decorated with colorful tents, banners, and flags, while camels and horses are adorned with bells, beads, and elaborate harnesses. The feel of sand underfoot and the sparkle of sunlight on mirrors create a world that feels far from the everyday[1][3][5][6].

Traditional Food and Drink

Food stalls offer Rajasthani classics like dal baati churma, kachori, mirchi vada, and freshly fried jalebis. The aroma of spices, roasted peanuts, and sweet chai mingles in the desert air. Adventurous eaters can try camel milk lassi and malpua, while hot masala chai in clay cups is perfect for chilly desert nights[1][3][5][6].

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of Pushkar Mela go back centuries, beginning with Hindu pilgrims bathing in the sacred Pushkar Lake on the Kartik full moon and visiting India’s only Brahma temple. Over time, the livestock fair grew alongside the religious festival, blending Rajasthan’s pastoral culture with spirituality. Today, Pushkar Mela is a symbol of spiritual renewal and desert tradition, where people of all backgrounds come to pray, trade, and connect[1][2][3][5][6].

Participant Voices

"I was born in Pushkar, and every year the Mela feels like coming home. I love watching the camel parade at sunrise and joining my friends for the aarti by the lake. The energy and colors are beyond imagination!" — Priya, local resident

"I came from Australia and was blown away by the scale. I spent hours talking with camel herders and even tried my hand at turban-tying! The sense of community and celebration here is unlike anywhere else." — Tom, visitor

"For me, Pushkar Mela is all about faith. Every year, my family bathes in the lake and visits the Brahma temple. Sharing prasad with strangers and lighting diyas at dusk makes me feel a timeless connection." — Sunita, pilgrim from Jaipur

Fun Facts

The famous "Longest Mustache Contest" features mustaches over 2 feet (about 60cm) long[1][5][6].
Pushkar is home to the world’s only Brahma temple[1][2][3][5][6].
Hot air balloon rides are also popular, offering a bird’s-eye view of the festival and dunes[1][5][6].