The world renowned annual Pushkar fair began on November 8, with the traditional Pooja and flag hoisting at Mela ground in Pushkar town of Ajmer district.  During the fair, lacs of people from rural parts of the country flock to Pushkar, for pilgrimage, livestock and cattle trading. According to the Hindu calendar, the fair takes place in the month of Kartika beginning on ‘ashtmi‘ – 8th day of Lunar Calendar and continues till ‘Poornima‘ (full moon). The full moon day is the main day and the day, according to legend, on this day, the Hindu god Brahma sprung up the Pushkar Lake.
The fair is unique in every way and offers equal attraction for devotees, cattle traders and tourists.
- The devotees take dip in the Pushkar Sarovar and offer Deepdaan, perform Maha Arti & Pushkar Abhishek at Pushkar Sarovar.
- Pushkar is witness to the largest cattle fair in country and cattle trading is at its peak during the first half of festival period.
- Tourists can participate in traditional games like Sitoliya, Langdi Tang and witness activities like camel dance, camel decoration, spiritual walk, kite flying demonstration, moustache competition, turban tying, musical and cultural performance.
Steps taken by Government to improve tourism:
- For the first time, Ajmer Development Authority (ADA) has taken steps to resolve water crisis in the holy pond of Pushkar. Tanks surrounding Pushkar pond have started getting water from Bisalpur dam.
- Laser shows are being organized at Maharana Pratap Smarak open theatre, Ajmer. This open theatre is the only such venue in Rajasthan which is surrounded by Aravalli hills on all four sides.
For 2016: The Pushkar fair  will continue from November 8-14.
Featured Image Source: Pushkar Mela
