The Glory of Rajasthan: Pushkar Mela

Want to witness the glorious culture of Rajasthan? Then the biggest spectacle is Rajasthan’s pushkar fair. The Pushkar mela, also known as the Pushkar ka Mela, is a haven for anybody enamoured by India's mystical cultural traditions. Every year in the months of October and November, India hosts Pushkar festival, widely considered to be the largest cattle market in the world. This year pushkar camel fair 2022 is organised from 1 November to 9 November. 

The world's biggest pushkar camel fair, with an estimated 50,000 camels in attendance. Animals are gathered for sale and display. Not only is religious pilgrimage another major reason for taking this trip, but selling cattle is important as well. Moreover, Rajasthani and Gujarati merchants (who travel to town just for this festival) bring a wide range of goods, paintings, clothing, jewellery, shoes, etc. to sell during the fair due to the high tourism value of the event.

Background And History 

During one mythological event in Hinduism, the gods let out a swan carrying a flower in its beak. After Lord Brahma conducted a massive yagna at the spot where the swan's bloom fell from its beak, the area became holy to Hindus. The name Pushkar refers to the local legend that a flower was responsible for the city's birth. Since then, those who follow Hinduism have come to revere this spot. That's why it's called "the king of all pilgrimage locations," or "Tirth Raj." 

Most auspicious events in Rajasthani tradition are celebrated at Pushkar Fair, and many people perform rituals there in the hopes of bringing good fortune and happiness into their life. Consequently, Pushkar is now deeply embedded in the religious and spiritual rituals of Hinduism.

Pushkar Mela Dresses And Varieties

Rajasthani and Gujarati styles coexist in the clothing worn by the merchants and other residents visiting the pushkar festival. Both the lehenga and the ghaghra are worn by women in both states. And are paired with the odhni, a long, rectangular piece of fabric that is draped over the head, and the choli, a top. You can choose fabrics like cotton, linen, muslin, poplin and satin to get these traditional dresses. Further, crafts like sequins, shimmer, gota patti and zari to make this dress look beautiful. 

The men of both countries often dress in dhotis, long pieces of fabric that are wrapped over the waist and have gathers that fall about the legs, and a jacket or kurta, which may be either long or short. The shapes and styles of these garments, as well as the needlework, are similar but not identical. Men chose cotton, rayon, viscose and muslin to get comfy outfits. Accessories are another area where there are subtle but noticeable variations.

• Some women also wear sarees which have embroidery patterns on them. 
• Mirror work, zardozi and tie- dye are famous in pushkar mela 2022. 

What to Shop

When visiting Pushkar during the fair, make sure to pick up some of the many ethnic souvenirs and knick knacks for sale. At this fair, you can purchase a wide variety of fashionable accessories, such as silver arm and wrist bangles, earrings, beads for the wrists and neck, embroidered shoes and leather shoes for both men and women, textile fabrics in cotton, silk, and chiffon, tie-dye or block-printed dupattas or odhnis, glass bangles, cloth bags, and much more. Rajasthan is known for its lac jewellery, but you can also get plenty of garments with traditional embroidery.

While the aforementioned may be put to practical use, other of the goods, including the bright turbans, costume jewellery, shoulder bags, and more, are better kept as souvenirs.

Activities

The Pushkar camel fair 2022 starts with the camel race and ends with visitors lighting many clay lamps and sailing them down the river in leaf boats at twilight on the last day of the festival in a rite known as the Deepdan. At least a week before the official beginning of the fair, herders begin pouring into Pushkar with their camels and cattle and setting up dwellings.

In order to entice customers, the camels are adorned with paints, tattoos, and shaved in unusual yet attractive patterns.

Folk Dance And Music

The traditional music and dance of Rajasthan have a magical quality that will captivate and enchant you. Traders from cities all around Rajasthan, including Jodhpur, Nagaur, and Ajmer, display unique items that play a significant role in Rajasthani culture.

FAQ

Why is pushkar fair famous?

In addition to camels, horses, and cattle, the Pushkar fair is also known as one of the biggest livestock markets in India. In addition to being a major cattle market, this time of year also marks the beginning of the Hindu pilgrimage season to the Pushkar lake.

What are the main events in Pushkar Mela?

The main events of the pushkar festival include the dancing performances, camel races, Matka Tod contests, the Bridal competitions, the camel parades, and the puppet shows. The 9-day long Pushkar fair (Mela) is a strong dose of Rajasthani culture and tradition.

 

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