Pushkar is a
sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the north-west
of Ajmer. About 400 temples and shrines are located at Pushkar
around its holy lake, which finds a mention in the Padma
Purana. Legend has it that Lord Brahma in search for a spot to
hold his 'yagna' (religious ritual), dropped the lotus from
his hand, the three spots touched by this flower were turned
into lakes. These are today known as the 'Jyeshtha Pushkar'
(main Pushkar), the 'Madhyam Pushkar' (medium Pushkar) and the
'Kanishtha Pushkar' (little Pushkar). A temple dedicated to
Lord Brahma is located at Pushkar; the other important temples
are those of Gayatri, Savitri, Shiv and Badri Narayan.
RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE
The
Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 flights of steps, called 'ghats',
many having special legendary importance. Lord Vishnu is said
to have appeared at the Varah Ghat in the form of a boar.
Brahma took a bath here and performed Yajna at the Brahma Ghat,
accompanied by Vishnu and Mahadev. Guru Govind Singh chose
this site for reciting the sacred Guru Granth Sahib. The ashes
of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed at the Gandhi Ghat, which was
previously called Gau Ghat.
DURATION
There is a steady flow of pilgrims throughout the year to
Pushkar, which is among the five principal places of Hindu
pilgrimage. It is, however transformed into a bustling
fair-ground in the month of Kartik (October-November) when the
annual Pushkar Fair and a cattle fair are held simultaneously.
The fair starts from Kartik Shukla Ekadashi and goes on for 12
days, till Kartik Purnima. Both the religious fair and the
cattle fair are now internationally renowned tourist
attractions. A small fair is held in the month of Baisakh,
which is primarily a local event.
THE HOLY DIPS ( SNAN )
People
consider the water of the Pushkar Lake to be very sacred and
the ritual of taking dips in the holy water is believed to
bestow salvation. The holy dip is most auspicious on Kartik
Poornima. Even before sunrise, people descend the ghats, aided
by the 'pandas' (Brahmin priests) to take the sacred bath.
Offerings of coconut, flowers, and cash are made to the lake
and the priests.
VISITING THE TEMPLE
After bathing at the lake, people proceed to pay homage to the
creator of the Universe, Lord Brahma, at the Brahma Temple.
PARIKRAMA
Most pilgrims perform the oblations at the Jyeshtha Pushkar
while some opt to visit all the three Pushkar and this is
called the Panch-Kosi-Parikrama. Many pilgrims visit all the
shrines at Pushkar in seven days and this is called the
Chaubis-Kosi-Parikrama.
FLOATING LAMPS ( DEEP DAN )
It is customary to float lighted earthen lamps after placing
them on 'pattals' (plates made of leaves) on the waters of the
lake. This creates a spectacular view in the evening when the
sacred lake takes on a mystical tint sprinkled with twinkling
spots of light. 'Aarti' is offered at the lake in the morning
and evening.
CATTLE FAIR
The world-famous
Fair is held in the sacred and peaceful town of Pushkar, 11
kms. north-west of Ajmer. It transforms into a spectacular
fair ground for twelve days during the month of Kartik
(Oct-Nov).
The Pushkar
Fair, a major tourist attraction draws people from all over
the globe to the ancient and secluded environment of Pushkar
town. Pushkar Fair is perhaps the largest cattle fair in the
world. Rajasthan which is enriched by cattle wealth is the
home to many recognized breeds of cattle.
In conjunction with the religious fair, a cattle fair is also
organised in the month of Kartik at Pushkar Cattle-breeders
bring a large number of cattle of various popular breeds such
as Nagauri, Haryanvi, Mewati, Kankrej etc. to the fair to be
sold to the rural folk who appreciate well-bred animals. The
cattle are decorated by their owners during Pushkar fair and
also participate in the races and are paraded on the sand
dunes.
PUSHKAR FAIR
The ancient town of Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular
fair ground in the month of Kartik. The fair attracts a great
number of tourists from far and wide. The fair-grounds
reverberate with festivity, as rows of make shift stalls
display a bewildering array of items that compete with each
other for the visitors' attention. But the highlight of
Pushkar fair is the trading in camels. Camels are bought,
sold, decked up and paraded on the sand dunes, presenting a
picturesque sight. The camel, horse and donkey races are
events that draw huge attendance. Body tattooing is yet Horse
race. Pushkar another favorite activity that attracts a large
number of enthusiasts.
The Pushkar fair brings together a large number of villagers
from different parts of the state. Some come here to sell.
Some come here to buy. Some come here on a pilgrimage. Still
others come here just to enjoy the festivities. The days are
filled with fun and activity. The evenings are filled with
music and dance. Come dusk, and the rich strains of haunting
music are carried across the desert sands as the merrymaking
continues deep into the night. The profusion of colours that
run riot in the desert sands, the glee and the contagious
enthusiasm of the village folk are a unique experience for
every visitor
General Information
Location: 11km North-West of Ajmer, Rajasthan
Feature: Hindu Pilgrimage
Attraction: Pushkar Lake, Brahma
Temple, Cattle Fair |
