Camel Races and a Rajasthani Cultural Carnival at Pushkar's Annual Camel Fair

All of Rajasthan comes alive with vigorous activity every November in anticipation of the biggest camel fair in the world

. Hosted by the scenic lakeside hamlet of Pushkar, each year sees an influx of literally hundreds of visitors of local and foreign origin flocking to witness the frenzy of colour and culture that ensues during the Pushkar Camel Fair. Due to be held between the 13th and the 21st of November 2010 the nine day camel fair is a Rajasthani signature event that celebrates the rich heritage of the ancient capital with unsurpassed enthusiasm and vibrancy. Attracting nearly 186,000 visitors to Pushkar the annual event typically begins with the trading of livestock animals such as camels, horses, sheep, cows and goats. It is estimated that over 50,000 camels change hands, race and are ornamented with colourful paraphernalia during the festival period. The town transforms into a thoroughfare of monumental proportions as traditional wares from all across the great state of Rajasthan are brought to be sold at the venue. Decorative items for tourists as well as custom made beaded creations, saddles and vibrant ropes for camels and cows are also sold here alongside necklaces from Naugaur, Merta's wool blankets and Ajmer textiles as well as brassware from Jodhpur and Jaipur. Household wares and beautiful souvenirs are also found in abundance at the fair where handicrafts are also available. Exhibitions and cultural shows are also scattered around the fairground while poets and bards also reminisce in song of the region's historic exploits. Quirky competitions such as the moustache contest, the Matka Phod challenge and the bridal competition are also popular highlights at the festival which also sees the screening of movies and folk performances taking centre stage during the latter hours of the day. The camel races occupy the schedule in the following days as racers vie for that coveted first position. A musical chairs like contest for camels also takes place at the festival followed by the highly anticipated 'laadoo oonth' competition where a camel's capacity to carry human cargo is put to the test. Beauty contests for camels are also attended by bejewelled creatures that have been scented and decked in embroidered back-covers, beads, multihued saddle-straps and handmade saddles. The culmination of the event sees pilgrims and festival attendees bathing in the holy Pushkar Lake in an age old ritual that is said to absolve the bathers of their sins. The healing powers of the water is also believed to cure various skin ailments as the bathing ritual at dawn is said to be full of mystical wonder during the Kartik Purnima. Travellers on the lookout for luxury Rajasthan hotels will not be disappointed with the charming Suryagarh Jaisalmer. Providing state-of- the- art facilities and elegant accommodations, this stylish rest is undoubtedly one of the finest Jaisalmer hotels in the region.

Camel Races and a Rajasthani Cultural Carnival at Pushkar's Annual Camel Fair

By: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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