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Pushkar Mela is one of India’s most vibrant cultural gatherings, held annually in Rajasthan’s desert town of Pushkar. Known as the Pushkar Camel Fair, it blends spirituality, tradition, and festivity on a grand scale. In 2025, the mela aligns with Kartik Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima, attracting pilgrims and traders alike. Devotees bathe in the ghats while thousands of camels, horses, and cattle are traded. Visitors can witness camel races, folk dances, and even soar in hot air balloons, making Pushkar Mela an unforgettable cultural experience.
Historical And Cultural Significance
Photo: Prashant Bamnawat / Unsplash
Pushkar Mela dates back centuries ago when nomadic traders and herders would come to Pushkar to transact the buying and selling of camels, horses and cattle. With Pushkar situated along important desert trade routes, the fair naturally evolved into one of the largest livestock markets in history. Today, over 30,000 animals come for trade, all adorned with colourful saddles, colourful beads, and intricate tattoos. Pushkar doesn’t just possess significance as a market. It is also revered for being one of the holiest towns in India due to the links with Lord Brahma, the creator in Hindu mythology.
When And Where: Dates And Location
Photo: Prashant Bamnawat / Unsplash
The Pushkar Mela 2025 will be held from October 30 to November 5 in Pushkar, a small town in Rajasthan’s Ajmer district. While the cultural and livestock events run through these days, the spiritual peak occurs on November 5 (Kartik Purnima), when thousands take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake. Known for hosting the world’s only Brahma Temple, Pushkar is both a sacred pilgrimage site and a festive hub, where bustling fairgrounds near sand dunes contrast with the serene ghats and temples.
How To Reach
Reaching Pushkar Mela is convenient with multiple options—regular trains, buses, and taxis connect Pushkar to Ajmer, while Jaipur airport provides the nearest air travel access.
By Air: The closest airport is Kishangarh (40 km), which has limited flight options from Delhi and Mumbai; or Jaipur International Airport (150 km), which connects to most Indian and international cities.
By Train: Ajmer Junction (11 km) is the nearest station; there are trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and all major cities. From Ajmer, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Pushkar.
By Road: Pushkar is well connected by road, with a bus service every hour from Jaipur, Ajmer and Jodhpur. Overall, taking a private taxi is very convenient but also expensive, especially if you are in a group.
Key Highlights And Attractions Of Pushkar Mela
Photo: Ninara / Wikimedia Commons
Pushkar Mela is full of different events and experiences whether you are a traveller, photographer or interested in culture. Here are the highlights:
Camel & Livestock Fair: At the heart of the mela, there will be the camel and livestock trading. The camels are adorned with colourful ornaments and judged in competitions such as camel races and beauty competitions.
Cultural Performances: The evenings at the fairground are full of energy with folk dances including the Kalbeliya and Ghoomar, fire dance performances, and live music under a starry sky. The enchanting sounds of the Rajasthani folk instruments add to the cultural experience of a night in the desert.
Competitions And Games: Pushkar Mela is famous for the unusual competitions, including the longest moustache competition, turban tying competition, matka races, and Miss Bridal Beauty competitions. These events come with both laughter and humour and draw both locals and travellers together.
Adventure And Birds Eye Views: One of the most popular modern experiences includes hot air ballooning, which gives you a birds-eye view of the fairground, the desert dunes, and Pushkar town with its lake. There are also camel safaris in the desert with glamping experiences under the stars.
Shopping Haven: The Pushkar Mela bazaars are a shopper’s dream. You will find handmade jewellery, clothing, leather, puppets, handicrafts, and one hundred selections of brightly coloured turbans. Bargaining is part of the experience!
Places To Visit In And Near Pushkar During The Mela
The Pullkar Mela is the highlight of your trip, but Pushkar and the surrounding area has plenty of cultural, spiritual, and scenic points of interest that are worth visiting.
1. Pushkar Lake
Photo: Jakub Halun / Wikimedia Commons
The lake is the heart of spiritual life in Pushkar and is surrounded by 52 ghats where pilgrims perform actions and take holy dips, particularly during Kartik Purnima, when thousands visit the lake. In the evening, the lake is a beautiful sight with aarti ceremonies taking place, lamps floating on the water, and chanting that can be heard reaching all corners of the town. Travellers can sit on the steps, take great photos, or simply sit and absorb the culture that has existed here for many years, some even feel that a trip to Pushkar Lake is the cultural and emotional highlight of the mela.
Distance From Mela: 2.5 km
Timings: 24*7
2. Brahma Temple
Photo: Adityavijayavargia / Wikimedia Commons
The temple is known to be the only dedicated Brahma Temple in the world and is one of Pushkar’s most important religious sites. The red spire of the temple stands out and attracts many pilgrims and curious visitors. Inside the temple, the sanctum and ornate carvings are full of devotion and history. During the mela, there are thousands of devotees offering prayers; thus, the temple becomes even more lively. The temple also serves beyond religious significance in Pushkar, as it denotes the individuality of Pushkar as among the very few actual places of Brahma worship.
Distance From Mela: 1.6 km
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
3. Savitri Temple
Photo: Sukhpreet Lotey / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Devoted to the Goddess Savitri, this hilltop temple with one of Pushkar’s and the desert’s most stunning views can only be reached by climbing 650 steep steps or via a ropeway to make things easier. At sunrise the temple is enchanting as the first rays of the sun spread slowly across the Aravallis. The quietness of the temple, the stunning vistas, and the birds-eye views make it a welcoming sanctuary from all the hustle and bustle of the fairground below.
Distance From Mela: 2.2 km
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
4. Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Photo: Komal G / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located not far from Pushkar, the Ajmer Sharif Dargah is an important Sufi shrine that pulls devotees from various faiths. This Sufi shrine is in remembrance of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and is known for its beautiful qawwalis, as well as its spiritual energy. Many travelers experience the festive atmosphere that the Pushkar Mela has to offer and stroll over to the shrine. Pilgrims will be found all throughout the courtyards, while the scene is filled with incense, prayer, and heartfelt offerings.
Distance From Mela: 14.5 km
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
5. Taragarh Fort, Ajmer
Photo: Justin Morgan / Wikimedia Commons
Taragarh Fort is a historical monument perched on a hill foregrounding Ajmer, constructed in the 8th century. The massive walls, gateways, and water reservoirs all recall stories of valour and pride of Rajputs and later, Mughal emperors. The views over Ajmer city and the surrounding Aravalli ranges are simply stunning and worth the walk up. Parts of the fort are definitely in ruins, which adds to the atmosphere. This is an excellent day trip for travelling to balance your spirituality and thirst for history during the Mela.
Distance From Mela: 25.1 km
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For Pushkar Mela 2025, accommodations range from budget stays to luxury desert camps, so booking early is essential. Heritage havelis and glamping camps with private bathrooms, cultural evenings, and camel safaris cost ₹15,000–₹25,000 per night. Mid-range boutique hotels and guesthouses facing Pushkar Lake or the fairgrounds are priced around ₹5,000–₹10,000 per night. Budget travelers can find homestays or simple guesthouses near the bazaar lanes for ₹800–₹2,000, though they fill quickly. Desert camping with stargazing, folk performances, and Rajasthani meals adds a unique experience.
Where To Eat
Photo: Picofolkujur / Wikimedia Commons
Pushkar is strictly vegetarian, yet food lovers will find endless flavors and aromas. Street food dominates with kachori, mirchi vada, dal baati churma, malpua, and jalebi priced ₹50–₹200 per plate. Cafés thrive here, especially rooftop spots by Pushkar Lake, serving falafel, pizzas, pancakes, and chai for ₹300–₹800 per meal. For authentic Rajasthani thalis featuring ker sangri, gatte ki sabzi, bajra roti, and churma laddoo, expect ₹600–₹1,200. Don’t miss rose sherbet or lassi under ₹100, and adventurous foodies can sample bhang lassi at licensed outlets.
Tips For Travellers
Photo: V.K Wikimats / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting Pushkar Mela requires smart planning—book early, dress modestly, carry cash, stay hydrated, respect local customs, and embrace both the spiritual and festive experiences.
- Reserve your lodging four months ahead, because hotels will fill quickly.
- Bring cash and credit cards, many of the smaller stalls and vendors prefer to be paid in cash.
- Pack a few light layers, the days will be hot and you may find the night cool.
- Make sure your shoes are comfortable, as you will be walking great distances.
- Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Arrive at the fairgrounds by 4:30–5:00 AM to avoid traffic and crowds, and enjoy the best views of events.
- Check with locals when photographing other locals, sadhus or traders to gain permission first.
The Pushkar Mela is more than a fair—it’s a vibrant showcase of culture, spirituality, and tradition that draws visitors worldwide. From sacred rituals at Pushkar Lake to colorful cattle trading, folk performances, and bustling bazaars, every corner offers a glimpse of Rajasthan’s rich heritage. Book your Pushkar Mela experience with TripXL for an unforgettable journey into the heart of India’s cultural and spiritual magnificence.
Cover Photo: Sheshagiri Shenoy / Wikimedia Commons
