PUSHKAR FAIR
Feature: Hindu Pilgrimage
Attraction: Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Cattle Fair
Pushkar is a sacred town for the
Hindus and is situated 11 kms. to the north-west of Ajmer.
About 400 temples and shrines are located at Pushkar. 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' and many
of those have 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
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 cattles 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 large 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.
On this special occasion, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation
(RTDC) puts up a tourist village. The tourist village is self-sufficient
and specially designed to complement the natural beauty of the site. It
has a Coffee Shop and Dining Hall, which can cater to 1500 guests at a
time.
The village is arranged in blocks of tents, each with its own identity,
named after the famous dances of Rajasthan. The village also has huts with
attached western style toilets and running water. One can also stay at
Sarovar Hotel, Pushkar or in
Ajmer at the RTDC Tourist Bungalow-Khadim.
SHOPPING AND RECREATION
A large number of traders gather at the Pushkar Fair and set up shops. They sell a host of products like bead necklaces of Nagaur, woollen blankets of Merta, textiles printed in Ajmer and Jodhpur, brassware of Jodhpur and Jaipur etc. There is also a large sale of saddles, ropes, and assorted household items. During the fair, cultural shows and exhibitions are organised to enliven the event. Movies are shown and competitions are arranged. Bards and poets recite and sing tales of valour and heroism of bygone days. Animal races and other competitions add to the attraction.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Jaipur at 146-km is
the nearest airport.
Rail: Ajmer at 11-km is the nearest
railhead from Pushkar.
Road: Pushkar is well connected by road and is 11-km from
Ajmer.
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