Every year in November the desert town of Pushkar in Rajasthan comes to life with color, music and thousands of camels. It’s the time of the famous Pushkar Camel Fair — one of the most unique and fun festivals in India.
I still remember my first time. The early morning sun was rising over the sand dunes, camels decorated with beads were walking by and local traders were busy making deals. A kind camel owner even offered me a cup of chai while telling me stories of his journey. I felt like I had entered a different world.
The Pushkar Camel Fair is not just about camels — it’s about culture, tradition and people. You’ll find camel races, folk dances, music, food and even spiritual rituals by the holy lake. Whether you’re into photography, culture or just want a truly Indian experience, this fair is something you’ll never forget.
In this post I’ll take you through everything you need to know for the Pushkar Camel Fair 2025 — dates, things to do, how to reach, where to stay and tips from personal experience.
What is the Pushkar Camel Fair?
The Pushkar Camel Fair (also called Pushkar Mela) is a one of a kind cultural festival held every year in Pushkar, a small town in Rajasthan, India. It usually takes place in October or November, around the time of the Kartik Purnima full moon, which is a holy day in Hinduism.
Originally a Camel Trading Fair
The fair started as an opportunity for local farmers and traders to sell and purchase camels, horses, and cattle. It is still one of the largest livestock fairs in the world with over 30,000 animals in attendance from rural people.
Now a Major Cultural Festival
Over the years the fair has grown into a massive celebration of Rajasthani culture with tourists, photographers, pilgrims and performers from all over the world. It’s famous not just for the animals but also for:
- Folk music and dance
- Camel races and beauty contests
- Spiritual rituals by Pushkar Lake
- Colorful markets and street food
- Longest mustache and turban tying competitions
It’s all tradition, excitement and spirituality in one place.
Why it’s special:
- Centuries old traditions meet modern experiences.
- Rural India at its rawest.
- One of the largest camel fairs in the world but a cultural deep dive.
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Pushkar Camel Fair 2025 Dates & Key Events
The Pushkar Camel Fair takes place according to the Hindu lunar calendar. It starts on Prabodhini Ekadashi and ends on Kartik Purnima (full moon day). The official dates are as follows, for 2025:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Starts | October 30, 2025 (Prabodhini Ekadashi) |
| Main Fair Period | October 30 – November 5, 2025 |
| Ends | November 5, 2025 (Kartik Purnima – Full Moon) |
Why these dates matter:
- Prabodhini Ekadashi signifies the awakening of Lord Vishnu, and the beginning of festivities.
- The last five days before Kartik Purnima bring the greatest crowds for trade, competition, rituals, and, of course, the auspicious bathing in Pushkar lake.
What to Expect Day-by-Day
| Date | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Oct 30 | Opening, livestock traders and festivities begin |
| Oct 31–Nov 3 | Camel trading peaks; competitions like beauty contests, folk events |
| Nov 4–5 (Full Moon) | Biggest crowds for camel races, mustache & turban contests, holy dip |
Pro Tip: Visit between November 1 – 4 to enjoy vibrant events without peak congestion.
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Where to Stay During Pushkar Camel Fair 2025
Pushkar gets very crowded during the fair so book early. You’ll find everything from budget guesthouses to luxury desert camps. Here’s a simple comparison to help you choose:
Accommodation Options in Pushkar
| Stay Type | Budget (per night) | Best For | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Hotels / Guesthouses | ₹800 – ₹1,500 | Backpackers, solo travelers | Basic rooms, walking distance to fairgrounds |
| Mid-Range Hotels | ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 | Couples, families | Rooftop restaurants, lake views, decent amenities |
| Luxury Tents / Desert Camps | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000+ | Tourists looking for a unique experience | Cultural shows, private bonfires, themed tents, full meals |
| Heritage Resorts (Pushkar/Ajmer) | ₹8,000+ | Premium travelers | Heritage architecture, spa, serene environment |
Tip: If you want a memorable stay, consider one of the desert glamping tents – the tents combine comfort with culture.
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Top Things to Do at Pushkar Camel Fair 2025
The Pushkar Camel Fair is full of exciting events, cultural representations, and local experiences. No matter if you’re a foodie, a photographer, spiritual, or a shopper, there is something for everyone.
1. Watch Camel Trading & Beauty Contests
- Early morning is best to see camel and cattle trading.
- Don’t miss the decorated camel competitions — camels dressed in colourful fabrics, bells and beads.
- There’s even a camel dance which is as fun as it sounds!
2. Enjoy Traditional Folk Shows
- Watch Kalbeliya dance, puppet shows and Rajasthani music.
- Street artists and musicians perform all day near the main ground.
3. Participate in Religious Rituals
- Join thousands of pilgrims for a holy dip in Pushkar Lake on Kartik Purnima (Nov 5, 2025).
- Visit the famous Brahma Temple, one of the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma.
4. Shop at Handicraft Bazaars
- Markets full of silver jewelry, camel leather products, colourful turbans and textiles.
- Great place for souvenirs.
5. Eat Rajasthani Food
- Try street food like kachori, malpua, poha and chaach (buttermilk).
- Many rooftop cafes have a view of the fair and lake.
6. Join the Fun Contests
- Be a part of quirky contests like:
- Longest Mustache
- Turban Tying
- Bridal Dress Contest
- Tug of War (Tourists vs Locals)
7. Try Adventure Activities
- Camel rides through the desert dunes
- Hot air balloon rides for a bird’s eye view of the fair
- Horse safaris and guided village tours
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A Traveler’s Experience at the Pushkar Camel Fair
One of our guests, Neha M., a travel photographer from Mumbai, shared her experience with us after attending the Pushkar Camel Fair.
I had always wanted to see the Pushkar Camel Fair. When I finally did, the colours, people and camels were more magical than I had imagined. A camel herder named Dinesh even let me photograph his camels and invited me to share his lunch. That moment – sitting in the sand, listening to his stories – was the best part of my trip.
Neha’s Tip: Don’t miss the early mornings – the light is great for photos and you’ll see the traders setting up.
Final Thoughts: Why the Pushkar Camel Fair Is Truly Special
The Pushkar Camel Fair is more than a fair – it’s a living breathing piece of Rajasthan. From decorated camels and sunrise desert rides to dips in Pushkar Lake and folk performances it has something for every traveler.
Whether you’re a first time visitor to India or a seasoned explorer this fair will open your eyes to rural life, tradition and hospitality. It’s not just what you see – it’s what you feel.
If you’re attending the Pushkar Camel Fair 2025 come with curiosity, a camera and an open heart – and you’ll return with stories to last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pushkar Camel Fair
Yes! The Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the coolest cultural events in India. It’s a rare mix of camel trading, folk performances, spiritual rituals and fun competitions all in a desert setting. Whether you are a photographer, traveler or culture lover it’s a must see.
The fair usually lasts 7-9 days. Best days to visit are between Day 2 to Day 6 when camel trading is at its peak, cultural events are in full swing and the crowds are manageable. Kartik Purnima (the final full moon day) is the most spiritual and crowded.
Yes, Pushkar is generally very safe even during the fair. It’s a small, touristy town and locals are used to visitors. Just follow basic travel safety rules: keep valuables secure, dress modestly and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Here are the easiest ways:
By Air: Nearest airport is Kishangarh (40 km) or Jaipur (145 km)
By Train: Reach Ajmer Railway Station and then take a 30 minute taxi or bus to Pushkar
By Road: Buses and taxis run regularly from Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur
Light cotton clothes (it’s hot during the day, cool at night)
A scarf, hat and sunscreen
Comfortable shoes for walking
Camera and extra batteries/memory cards
Small backpack, hand sanitizer and reusable water bottle
And of course — an open mind!