The place is worth a visit just to be a part of the atmosphere. The gypsies who live in camps there make small fires, and the strains of smoke create a fine fuzzy atmosphere. Photography in Pushkar is quite challenging, but rewarding too. The dates of the Pushkar fair have to be carefully selected, and, this is what we have done in our proposed tour. Two things happen at Pushkar. First, their is
the great animal fare during the former part of the fair. This is the time when 1000s of camels are brought to be traded here. The latter part of the fair is the religious bit when on the full moon millions of pilgrims arrive to take a dip at the Pushkar lake. However, by this time the camel fair starts to wane. The fare finishes off after the full moon, and the camel traders have to sell off their stock by then. Hence, when the religious bit climaxes, the camel fair is on the decline. We have suggested dates such that we get to experience both the facets of Pushkar. We arrive when the camel fair is still at its zest, and leave when the religious bit is on its ascendancy. The beauty of our way of bringing the Pushkar fair to you is to ensure that nothing is structured here. Each of us experiences it in his or her own way, and depending upon their interest as well as the body clock. We need to view Pushkar as a platter which has different things on offer. On the dessert are the camels, and, various other animals as horses, sheep, bulls etc. Also, on the dunes, these animals are proudly parade and displayed by their owners to attract buyers. Then, on the same desert there are tiny impromptu shelters set up to accommodate the families of the owners and buyers. When one walks through the desert, one not only witnesses the animals, but, you witness the trading of animals, there display, and how the families live as nomads on the desert. The early mornings and the evenings are the best time to witness the activities. Then, there is the religious side to Pushkar. Next to the desert, is the Pushkar town. Here, exists one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. During the fair days, pilgrims from far and near arrive in 1000s to pay their respects. The whole town is assumes a fair atmosphere with stalls of all shades set up just for the fair. Besides, there are village exhibitions, acrobats, magicians, rural games etc organized for the pilgrims to witness. All and all, Pushkar is a once in a lifetime fun filled experience for western tourist. It is perhaps the most significant event in the tourist calendar of the country. Also, there is no physical strain. We live in fully supported tents that have comfortable beds and attached western style toilets and shower. There are camel carts with cushions available at the camp site that ferry guests either to the desert or to the Pushkar town. Once you give time a time (say 01 hour), your "camel cab" would collect you from the designated spot and bring you back to your camp. Alternatively, you may extend your time frame.
