Some festivals you watch. Pushkar Mela, the camel fair in the small Rajasthani town of Pushkar, is one you walk straight into. Dust, bells, camel herders wrapped in shawls at dawn, pilgrims heading to the lake, a Ferris wheel turning over the sand dunes, and the smell of chai and frying malpua everywhere. If it has been on your list for years, 2026 is a good year to finally go, and the time to plan is now.
Rajasthan Tourism lists the Pushkar Fair 2026 from November 17 to November 24, ending on Kartik Purnima, which falls on Tuesday, November 24 this year. That gives you a week to choose from, and the start sits comfortably after Diwali on November 8 and Chhath in mid-November, when trains and flights are at their busiest.
What exactly is the Pushkar Fair?
At its heart, it is one of the largest camel and livestock fairs in the world. Herders from across Rajasthan bring camels, horses and cattle to trade on the sandy grounds at the edge of town. Over the decades it has turned into much more: a religious gathering, a folk festival and a huge draw for travellers and photographers from India and abroad.
Pushkar itself is a pilgrimage town built around a sacred lake. Kartik Purnima is the most important day of the year here, when thousands of devotees take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake. The fair grew around that festival, which is why the trading and the faith sit side by side.
When to go: early days or the full moon?
This is the main planning decision, and it depends on what you want.
- Go early for the camels. Much of the livestock trading tends to happen in the opening days, and herders often start arriving before the official dates. If you want the classic scenes of camel herds at sunrise, aim for the first half of the window, or even a day or two before it begins.
- Go late for the festival and the faith. The final days lean towards the cultural programme and the build-up to Kartik Purnima on November 24. Crowds are heavier, the ghats are packed, and the evening aarti at the lake is something special.
If you can manage three or four days spanning both, even better. Dates for individual competitions and cultural events can shift, so check the final programme from Rajasthan Tourism closer to the time.
What to see and do
The mela ground
Get there early, ideally before sunrise, when herders are lighting fires and the light is soft. Walk slowly, keep a respectful distance from animals, and ask before photographing people up close. Many herders are happy to chat over chai if you are patient.
The competitions
The fair is famous for its quirky contests. Rajasthan Tourism mentions the matka phod (pot-breaking) contest, the longest moustache competition and the bridal competition among the main draws. There is often a friendly match between a local Pushkar team and a team of foreign tourists, which is far more fun to watch than it sounds.
Pushkar Lake and the ghats
The lake is surrounded by ghats and white-washed temples, and evenings there are lovely. Sit quietly on the steps for the sunset and the aarti. Remove your shoes near the water, dress modestly, and follow local customs around the ghats.
The Brahma Temple
Pushkar is home to one of the very few temples in India dedicated to Lord Brahma, which makes it a key stop for pilgrims. Expect queues during the fair, so go early in the day.
Savitri Mata Temple
Perched on a hill above town, this temple is worth the climb for the view over the lake, the town and the fairground. There is also a ropeway if you would rather save your legs. Sunrise and sunset are the best times.
How to get there
- By train: Ajmer Junction is the main railhead, around 15 km from Pushkar, with good connections from Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. From Ajmer, it is a short taxi or bus ride over the hills.
- By air: Jaipur International Airport is the most practical option for most travellers, roughly 145 km away. Kishangarh Airport near Ajmer is closer but has limited flights, so check schedules.
- By road: Pushkar is a comfortable drive from Jaipur, and Rajasthan State Road Transport buses run regularly to Ajmer.
Book train tickets as early as you can. The festival period overlaps with heavy post-Diwali travel, and popular trains fill quickly.
Where to stay
Pushkar has guesthouses, heritage hotels and budget hostels in the old town, but during the fair, prices jump and good rooms disappear early. Temporary tent camps also come up around the fairground, ranging from basic to quite comfortable. Staying in a camp puts you close to the action at dawn. Staying in town puts you near the lake and the cafés. Either way, book now and read recent reviews carefully.
What to eat
Pushkar is a holy town, and food here is vegetarian. Meat and alcohol are off the menu in the town. Try the malpua the town is known for, hot kachori in the morning, thick lassi, and a simple dal-baati-churma thali. The cafés in the old town also serve plenty of travellers’ food if you need a break from spice.
Practical tips that make a difference
- Pack for two seasons. Days can be warm and sunny, but nights in late November get chilly, especially out on the sand. Carry a jacket or shawl.
- Cover up for dust. A scarf or mask helps on the fairground, and a lens cloth will be your best friend if you are shooting photos.
- Watch out for “puja” offers at the ghats. Some people approach visitors with flowers and offers of a blessing, then ask for a large donation. Politely decline if you are not comfortable.
- Carry cash in small notes. Many stalls and camel-ride operators prefer it, though UPI is widely used too.
- Agree on prices first. For camel rides, cart rides or guided walks, settle the price before you start.
- Respect the animals. Do not feed or touch livestock without the owner’s permission.
Make it a bigger Rajasthan trip
Pushkar pairs beautifully with Jaipur, and Ajmer is right next door for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. If you have a week, Jodhpur and Udaipur are both within reach. And if you are already in Rajasthan for the festive season, our guide on where to celebrate Diwali in India covers Jaipur’s lights and makes a nice first leg before heading to Pushkar.
Whatever you choose, give yourself at least one quiet sunrise on the fairground. That is the moment most people remember long after the trip is over.
Featured image: Sudipta Dutta Chowdhury, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
