Pushkar Fair & Festival Tour

HIGHTLIGHTS : Pushkar Fair About 14 Kms drive from Ajmer, famous for a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator, here, every year, on the full moon of November, thousands of pilgrims gather to bathe in the sacred lake.  This Occasion is also well – known for one of the largest cattle fair in Rajasthan – a riot of color, tradition, dance and costumes unparallel any where in India.  People all over Rajasthan camp here with their cattle, mostly camels, horses for selling purpose, thus adding beauty to the fair, in addition to the many cultural shows and games held.

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi, meet upon arrival and Transfer to pre booked hotel.
Overnight at hotel

Day 02 : Delhi
Morning leave for the sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. Overnight at hotel

Day 03 : Delhi – Ajmer – Pushkar
Morning transfer to railway station for train to Ajmer, upon arrival, drive to Pushkar, check in at tented camp. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 & 05 : Pushkar
Day free to attend the Pushkar fair. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 06 : Pushkar - Jaipur
Morning free, afternoon drive to Jaipur. Check in at hotel upon arrival.
Overnight at hotel. 

Day 07 : Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amer fort. Afternoon city tour.
Overnight at hotel.  :

Day 08 : Jaipur - Agra
Morning drive to Agra, visit Fatehpur Sikri enroute, the deserted sandstone city.  Continue drive to towards Agra. Check in at hotel. Day 09 : Agra
Day for the tour of Agra city, visit Taj Mahal, the impressive Agra fort and Local Bazaar.  Overnight at hotel :

Day 10 : Agra – Delhi
Morning drive to Delhi, visit Mathura the birth place of Lord Krishna enroute.  
Check in at hotel upon arrival. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 : Departure
Transfer to international airport for flight to onward destination 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 Tour
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.