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 looking camel wins the grand prize. Camel and horse dances are also very popular during the Pushkar fair. Pushkar is not only famous for its animal trade, it is also known for its traditional cuisine. The cuisine of Rajasthan is very rich and has a unique flavour. The best known Rajasthani food is the combination of dal, bati and churma as well as the Missi roti. Being a religious destination, one may find only vegetarian dishes served at this fair. All the dishes are cooked in pure desi ghee or clarified butter and have mouth –watering spicy flavours. Local acrobats are found all over at this fair. One can see a nine year old girl displaying her prowess at tight-rope walking, whilst balancing earthen pots on her head. Nearby is a five year old girl balancing on a bicycle wheel rim with a bamboo pole and moving along a rope. The Pushkar mela or fair is a religious event as well. It is the only place where Lord Bhrama, of the Hindu holy trinity, is worshipped. It is believed that the holy Pushkar Lake h
