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General
Information
Area: 25-sq-kms
Population: 18,000
Location: 11-km From Aimer, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: 25 Bathing Ghats,
Cattle Fair
Significance: Houses The Only Brahma Temple
In India.
Best Time To Visit: Mid-October To
Mid-March.
Pushkar
along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake, which is an
important pilgrimage for the Hindus
One of the
most sacred lakers in india is that of pushkar, which is only
rivalled by the lake of Mansourwar, in Tibet. It is situated in a
narrow valley surrounded by immense mounds of shifting sand; and a
few isolated peaks stand out on its borders with great effect. Its
form is nearly a perfect oval, and at its southern extremity it
empties itself by a narrow canal into an immense marsh. The origin
of this lake is attributed to Lord Brahma.
The story goes that the god, wishing to celebrate sacrifice of Yug,
stopped for that purpose in the valley, having first placed genii at
the entrance of all passes to keep off the evil spirits. Just as he
was going to perform the cermony, he perceived that his wife
Saraswati had not accompanied him; and, as the presence of a woman
is necessary, he employed one of the Apsaras. Saraswati was so
grieved at this infidelity that she hid herself in the mountains to
weep, and was transformed into a fountain. Several centuries after,
one of the Purihara Kings of Mundore lost his way while hunting,
and, feeling healed of a disease previously incurable, and
recognised the miraculous property of the spring. Shortly afterwards
he returned, and had a basin dug out to receive the waters, which
now from the lake of pushkar.
This lake soon become a favourite resort of pilgrims, and during the
midlle Ages temples and cenotaphs. Gradually quite a town of
relegious buildings sprang up, peopled by Brahmins. The wealthy
pilgrims from all parts of India brought untold riches to Pushkar,
and the princes spared no expense to enrich the holy inhabitations
of the sacred town.
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 purnima. 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.
Padma Purana,
elaborately describes the origin and importance of this lake. It
says that Brahma, the Creator of the Universe, was once
contemplating to locate a suitable spot on earth to perform a 'Yajna'
(sacrificial ritual), the lotus fell from his hand and rebounding,
struck the earth at three places within a circuit of kms. Water
issued forth, from all the three places and the Creator called all
the three as Pushkar (lotus) distinguishing them as 'Jyeshtha'
(elder), 'Madhya' (central) and 'Kanishtha' (younger).
Camel Fair
Tours
The
world-famous Fair is held in the sacred and peaceful town of
Pushkar, 11 kms. north-west of Ajmer. It transforms into a
spectacular fair ground for twelve days during the month of Kartik
(Oct-Nov).
The Pushkar
Fair, a major tourist attraction draws people from all over the
globe to the ancient and secluded environment of Pushkar town.
Pushkar Fair is perhaps the largest cattle fair in the world.
Rajasthan which is enriched by cattle wealth is the home to many
recognized breeds of cattle.
A large
number of cattle converge here and brisk trading takes place.
The fair is predominantly a rural gathering and is overwhelming
in its magnitude and visual impact. Vendors peddle their
dazzling range of wares at hundreds of roadside stalls.
Evenings at
the fair have their own charm. Folk Dramas, Music and Dances are
organized for the entertainment of the tourists. The camels, horse
and donkey races are great crowd pullers and enthrall the tourists
A unique
blend of color, rhythm and melody. The Camel Festival begins with a
colourful procession of bedecked camels, Ships-Of-The-Desert, in the
red sandstone backdrop of the Junagarh Fort.
The festivity
advances to the open sandspreads of the Polo Grounds, followed by
camel races, camel milking, fur cutting design, the best breed
competition, camel acrobatics, camel bands and watching all this,
are the gaping spectators. The camel display amazing foot-work,
dancing gracefully to the slightest direction of their riders.
Colourful
bridles, bejeweled necks, jingling anklets and long, lanky camel
shadows on dusky sands, cast a magic spell. The jubilant,
skirt-swirling Gair dancers, the awe inspiring Fire dance, and
dazzling fire-works light up the fortified desert city of Bikaner.
According to mythology, he performed the 'Yajna' at Jyeshtha Pushkar
from Kartik Shukla Ekadashi to Purnima. Lakhs of devotees assemble
and bathe in the holy waters during this period of the year; but
bathing on the last day which is the full moon (Purnima) day,
confers special blessings.
One of the major attractions in Pushkar is the Pushkar Fair the
cattle fair is held here on this occasion, where other animals like
camels and horses are also bought and sold. It is attended by people
from far and wide.
In recent years, an exclusive accommodation-Tourist Village, has
also been erected for foreign tourists. Competitions are organized
for them and cultural programmes are held acquainting them with the
Rajasthani way of life and culture.
Pushkar has 52 bathing ghats and many temples, big and small; the
most celebrated one being that of Brahma, the Creator of the
Universe.
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.
PLACES TO
STAY
Being a major
pilgrimage center Pushkar is well equipped with good accommodation
SHOPPING
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. Also on sale are 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.
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