Pushkar Camel Fair: Dates, Events, Things to Do & Travel Guide!

Posted on Friday, January 16th, 2026 by Chakshu Kaur Leave a Comment

The Pushkar Camel Fair is that kind of event that makes Rajasthan visible to the world immediately. This international camel festival held every year in the sacred town of Pushkar is a combination of culture, tradition, and pure local energy. The fair is popularly known as the Pushkar fair of Rajasthan and it gathers traders, travelers, and the local population for camel trading, rituals, music, and food. 

Why Pushkar Camel Fair so Famous?

What makes the Pushkar Camel Fair truly special is the scale and the vibe. This is the only place where you’ll see thousands of camels dressed up, traded, and paraded together in one space. That’s why it’s known worldwide as an international camel festival.

The fair is not just about animals. It’s about local life coming together. From early morning camel trading to evening cultural shows, every moment feels amazing. The Pushkar fair of Rajasthan also attracts photographers, tourists, and culture lovers who want to see a real festival celebrated in Rajasthan, not a staged one. 

History of Pushkar Camel Fair

Pushkar Camel Fair has been there from the early times. In the first place, it was just a cattle market where the local farmers would come and trade their camels, horses, and cows. Little by little, it became a major festival that now draws people from all over the country and even the world.

The fair retains its strong connection to Pushkar’s religious practices. The holy Pushkar Lake and the nearby Brahma Temple are among the main spots where the pilgrims flock. The faithful connect fair attendance and lake offering with good luck and wealth. Hence, the Pushkar Camel Fair Rajasthan is no longer a mere market but a comprehensively rooted cultural and spiritual experience celebrated in Rajasthan for ages.

Pushkar Camel Fair Dates & Location

The Pushkar Camel Fair takes place on the basis of the Hindu lunar calendar and is celebrated every year in October or November. The festival lasts for 5 to 7 days, thus permitting various activities like trading, cultural happenings, and religious observances. The precise dates fluctuate annually, however, the fair is usually held around the full moon (Kartika Purnima), which is considered very lucky in Rajasthan.

Are you curious to know about the location of the Pushkar fair? The whole fair area is all over the small town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, around Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple. 

Top Things to Do at Pushkar Camel Fair

The Pushkar Camel Fair is a full-on experience rather than just camels being seen. This is what you should not miss at all:

• Camel Trading & Parade: Thousands of camels, horses, and cattle are being watched while trading goes on. Some camels are very colorful with their decorations, which makes it a remarkable sight. 
• Cultural Performances: The fair is alive with nearly all-day shows of culture, ranging from Rajasthani folk music to traditional dances. The evening shows held at the main grounds are really worth watching.
• Camel Races & Competitions: The international camel festival is full of races, tug-of-war contests, and even camel beauty contests among others. It’s fun, lively, and a unique experience that you can’t find elsewhere.
• Shopping Local Handicrafts: The fair features booths where the native Rajasthani jewelry, fabrics, pottery, and mementos are available. It is a great choice if you wish to bring home a bit of Rajasthan.
• Food & Street Snacks: Sample local specialities like dal bati churma, kachori, and sweets from food stalls in Pushkar. Your mouth will have a festival too!
• Religious Rituals at Pushkar Lake: Be a part of or just observe pilgrims who are taking holy dips in Pushkar Lake, offering prayers, and performing rituals. 

Camel Events & Competitions to Watch

Trading is not the only reason for the popularity of Pushkar Camel Fair, but rather the events and competitions which involve camels are the reasons behind the enjoyment.

• Camel Races: The best time for viewing camel races is at morning. The traders bring in their fastest camels and the locals cheer loudly along with the clicking of cameras, thus, the whole atmosphere is full of excitement.
• Camel Beauty Contest: This event is one of the highlights where camels are dressed up with beautiful ornaments, paints, and fancy jewelry. The judges choose the best-dressed camel and it’s a must-see for the visitors.
• Tug-of-War & Camel Wrestling: There are competitions where camels are performing their strength and agility, tug-of-war games, for example. It is fun, full of energy, and attracts a lot of people.
• Horse & Cattle Shows: Besides camels, some horses and cattle are presented to the public in terms of beauty, strength, and breed quality. This is part of the traditional Pushkar cattle fair.
• Folk Performance Tie-Ins: Many of these events take place together with folk performances. Therefore, while you take a look at a camel race, you might also enjoy live Rajasthani music or dance performances.

What to Buy at Pushkar Camel Fair?

One of the main attractions of the Pushkar Camel Fair is certainly shopping. The fair area becomes a gigantic market where local traders bring genuine Rajasthani goods straight from the farms.

Among the items are artisanal jewelry and silverware, bangles, and vividly colored beads that embody the cultural motifs. The Rajasthani cotton, bandhni dupattas, shawls, and printed clothes are still sought after, mainly because the prices are quite reasonable during the fair.

Moreover, there are also places where leather products, pottery, wooden arts, and artisan souvenirs are on sale. All these items have a rustic charm, are plain, and thus portray the real feel of the Pushkar fair of Rajasthan. It’s common to bargain, so you should not back down from negotiating politely.

How to reach Pushkar?

Getting to Pushkar for the Pushkar Camel Fair is really easy as the small town has good connections to the major cities of Rajasthan.

• By air: The closest airport to Pushkar is Jaipur International Airport that lies about 150 km away. You can reach Pushkar from Jaipur by taking a taxi or a bus that takes about 3 to 4 hours.
• By train: The closest railway station is Ajmer Junction which is only 15 km away. It is well connected to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. You can easily find local taxis and buses from Ajmer.
• By road: Pushkar is connected by roads to Ajmer and Jaipur. There are regular buses all along during the Pushkar fair period in Rajasthan, and many tourists opt for self-driving because of the smooth highways and beautiful desert routes.

The Pushkar Camel Fair Rajasthan because of its good connectivity attracts visitors from all over India and even from abroad thus making it easy to plan a trip even during the hectic festival days.

Nearby Places to Visit Around Pushkar

• Ajmer: In close proximity to Pushkar, just 15 km away, Ajmer is the place where the Ajmer Sharif Dargah is located. A lot of tourists in Rajasthan opt for a short trip to Ajmer mixed with attending the Pushkar fair. The city is also home to some local markets and food streets worth visiting.
• Ana Sagar Lake: This artificial lake in Ajmer is where you can calm your mind after a day of chaos at the fair. People come here for evening strolls and to admire the magnificent sunsets.
• Kishangarh: Approximately 30 km distant, Kishangarh is noted for both its marble production and the Kishangarh Fort. Moreover, it is associated with the Bani Thani painting style that has been a part of Rajasthan’s culture for a long time.
• Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain): The hill range separating Pushkar and Ajmer is characterized by Nag Pahar and is a perfect spot for a lovely yet easy drive. The spot is also pleasant for informal gatherings away from the crowd of the international camel festival.

Plan Your Pushkar Camel Fair Trip with Travanya!

Travanya makes it easy to plan your visit to the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan with personalized assistance and budget-friendly options. 

📞 Call Travanya today at: +91-86999-95345

Get help with travel planning, routes, and bookings, and experience the Pushkar fair of Rajasthan without last-minute confusion.

FAQs

Where is Pushkar Mela 2026 held?

A: Pushkar Mela 2026 will be held in Pushkar town, Rajasthan, mainly around the Pushkar Lake, fairgrounds, and nearby desert areas. During the fair days, the entire town turns into one big festival zone with events happening at multiple spots.

Is Pushkar Camel Fair worth visiting?

A: Yes, it is totally worth visiting, especially if you want to see real Rajasthan beyond palaces and forts. The mix of camel trading, local culture, food, music, and desert vibes makes it a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else in India.

How long is the Pushkar Camel Fair?

A: The Pushkar Camel Fair usually runs for 5 to 7 days, depending on the lunar calendar. The busiest and most exciting days are the last two days leading up to Kartik Purnima.

Why is Pushkar Camel Fair celebrated?

A: The fair began as a camel and cattle trading event for local farmers. Over time, it grew into a large cultural gathering connected with religious rituals, local traditions, and seasonal trading, making it an important annual event in Rajasthan.

Is one day enough to explore Pushkar Camel Fair?

A: One day is enough to get a quick feel of the fair, but if you want to enjoy camel events, cultural shows, shopping, and nearby places without rushing, 2 days is a better option.

What clothes should you wear at Pushkar Mela?

A: Wear comfortable cotton clothes, especially during the day, as it can get warm. Evenings can be slightly cold, so carry a light jacket or shawl. Comfortable footwear is a must since you’ll be walking a lot on sandy grounds.

Are there any entry fees for Pushkar Mela?

A: There is no general entry fee to visit the Pushkar Camel Fair. However, some special events, competitions, or cultural shows may charge a small fee for seating or viewing.

Which city is closest to Pushkar?

A: Ajmer is the closest city to Pushkar, located just 15 km away. Ajmer Junction is also the nearest major railway station, making it the most convenient entry point for travelers.