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Pushkar Camel Fair
By Experience My India Editorial Team
Destination specialists and licensed local guides
The Pushkar Camel Fair is an annual livestock fair and cultural festival in Rajasthan, timed around the Kartik Purnima full moon, which usually places it in October or November. What started as a camel and cattle trading fair now runs alongside camel races, folk performances and a large gathering for ritual bathing in Pushkar Lake on the full moon itself.
What happens
Traders bring camels, cattle and horses to Pushkar for one of the country's largest livestock fairs, and the event has grown a substantial tourist and cultural side alongside it: camel races and decoration competitions, folk music and dance performances, and a large gathering for ritual bathing in Pushkar Lake on the Kartik Purnima full moon itself.
What to expect
Pushkar's small-town scale means the fairground and the lake ghats get genuinely crowded during the main days, with tented accommodation options springing up specifically for the fair. Dust, noise and a lot of livestock are part of the experience — this is not a sanitised tourist show but a working trading fair with a festival grafted onto it.
When it's on
The fair is timed around the Kartik Purnima full moon, which typically falls in October or November, shifting on the Gregorian calendar each year. Confirm the current year's dates before booking, as accommodation in Pushkar sells out well ahead for the main days. (confirmed on enquiry)
Frequently asked questions
When is the Pushkar Camel Fair this year?
Timed around the Kartik Purnima full moon, typically October or November. Confirm the specific dates for your travel year, and book accommodation early. (confirmed on enquiry)
Is the fair just about camels?
No — livestock trading is its origin, but folk performances, camel races, and the ritual bathing at Pushkar Lake on the full moon are as much a part of the modern event.
How far in advance should I book accommodation?
Well ahead — Pushkar is small, and accommodation for the main fair days is limited relative to demand.
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