Rajasthan is well known for its majestic forts, magnificent palaces and colourful culture. The land of the maharajas is also famous for well-laid gardens and ancient temples. It is not only famous for its rich culture but also for a fair which is held every year in the Hindu month of Kartik at Pushkar. This is the Pushkar mela.
The Pushkar Fair takes place every year ten days after Diwali - the Hindu festival of lights. The five to ten day long fair is celebrated on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima and here people come to trade cattle including camels, horses, cows, goats, sheep etc. Once the trading of the animals is over, they are decked up with beautiful clothes and dazzling ornaments for public display.
Every year the fair is celebrated with great zeal by the people of Rajasthan. Owners of animals buy baubles to decorate their cattle to attract buyers.
People from all over India come to Pushkar to buy and sell high breed animal like camels and horses. One of the major attractions of this fair is the Marwari horse. The Marwari horse is considered to be one of the finest horse breeds of India. It is a rare breed of horse from the Marwar region or the area around Jodhpur. This breed is known for its inward-turning ear tips; it comes in all equine colours, although Marwaris with pinto patterns tend to be the most popular with buyers and breeders.
The Pushkar fair is the world's largest camel fair, and apart from buying and selling of livestock it has become an important tourist attraction. Its highlights have eventually become traditional game competitions like Kabaddi, Seven stones, Pitthu etc. Tourists are encouraged to be a part of these games and are seen enjoying such indeginous sports.
Another important factor of the fair that attracts travellers is the camel competition. Owners decorate their camels with colourful ropes, bells and other decorative items trying making their camels look the most attractive and eye-catching as the best lookin
