28/03/2018
Pushkar is located just 11 kms from Ajmer, it is believed that Lord Brahma himself created the holy lake of Pushkar. It is considered as pious as Benaras or Puri. Every devout Hindu makes it a point to visit Pushkar at least once in his lifetime. Pushkar is famous for only Brahma temple in the world.
For pilgrims, a dip in the holy Pushkar lake is essential. Pushkar has as many as 400 temples and 52 ghats and the only temple in the country that is dedicated to Brahama is to be found here. Pushkar is not only an important pilgrimage center but it is also the venue of one of the country's most colorful cattle fairs - the Pushkar Fair.
Historically, Pushkar has its own importance and was destroyed by Mahumud of Ghazni on one of his periodic forays from Afghanistan. Later it became a favourite residence of the great Moghuls. One of the first contacts between the Moghuls and the British occurred in Pushkar when Sir Thomas Roe met with Jahangir here in 1616. The city was then taken over by the Scandia’s and, in 1818, it was handed over to the British, becoming one of the few places in Rajasthan controlled directly by British rather than being part of a princely state.
One of the Major highlights of Rajasthan is the Pushkar fair, which has the largest participation of all the festivals of Rajasthan. Pushkar is an important pilgrimage as well as the venue of a huge cattle fair. Bazaars, auctions, music and sports are highlight of this event. Every year, up to 200,000 people gather at Pushkar for the Camel Fair. They bring with them some 50,000 camels and cattle for several days of pilgrimage, horse dealing, camel racing and colorful festivities. The Rajasthan tourist office has promoted the fair as an international attraction by adding Rajasthan dance programmes and other cultural events.
