When the full moon shines down on lake Pushkar each November for as long as any local can remember, millions of pilgrims infiltrate this peaceful town for one of India’s largest livestock
festivals.

The Pushkar Camel Festivaloriginally was for attracting camel and cattle traders. While this event still sticks to its roots it now has adopted a fair like atmosphere attracting nearly a million tourists each year. Parades and contests keep it interesting for visitors while farmers and livestock traders conduct their negotiations.

The highlight of this event is undoubtedly the camel races amid the whirling dervishes of singing and dancing and colorful costumes against the backdrop of the Rajasthani desert. The camels are adorned with colorful headpieces and saddles creating a cirque du soliel of the sand. Other events of interest include the longest mustache contest, which deserves respect for the years of time and dedication these men put into their facial hair.

While the men trade their beasts, the women set up shop. Wares from all over India are sold and traded. From bracelets and clothes to ornate fabrics, many textiles can be bought. Watch your step while shopping, the snake charmers are everywhere with their cobras in hand or slithering through the crowds.

The aromas of food stalls overpower the smells from the livestock in most cases. The fragrant spices used in Indian cooking lure even the most picky eaters to these vendors of rogan josh ( a curry lamb dish) or tikka masala’s (a creamy tomato based sauce).

This is one of the last truly traditional festivals still happening in the world today. As one walks through the crowds of every caste of Indian, it can’t be helped to think things haven’t changed much from when this festival first began many years ago. Attendance is definitely “bucket list” worthy. In 2010, the official dates for the Pushkar Camel Fair are November 18-21. Camel trading and other activities will start from November 13.

Photo by kkoshy