In pictures: The colourful chaos that is Pushkar Mela
In pictures: The colourful chaos that is Pushkar Mela
The otherwise sleepy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, comes alive with chants, bells, drums, and folklore during the Pushkar Mela every year.
Pushkar is quite unlike anywhere else in Rajasthan, and its famous eponymous festival has a magnetism all of its own. Pushkar Mela is an annual 10-day camel and livestock fair celebrated from Kartik Ekadashi to Kartik Poornima, the full moon day of Kartik (October–November) according to the Hindu calendar.
Though buying and selling livestock is a major part of the fair, there are other activities that attract visitors from near and far alike, including matkaphod, bridal competition, longest moustache contest, kabaddi matches, and more. With this year’s edition recently concluded (November 1-8), we bring you a series of stunning photos offering you a glimpse into this chaotic celebration that will convince you to visit next year!
The ‘maha aarti‘“‘ at Varah Gate by the Pushkar Lake just cannot to be missed. Image: Courtesy Instagram/studio_virendrasingh.A guest trying his hand at beating the Nagara drum along with the locals. Image: Courtesy Instagram/wanderingresearcher.The holy lake of Pushkar at sunset looks surreal as devotees flock to be a part of the aarti. Image: Shutterstock/photoof. All smiles, these women are decked up for their big folk performances at the event. Image: Shutterstock/kaetana.The Pushkar Mela is the largest cattle fest in India. This year, due to lumpy skin disease common in cows, the bonine animals were banned at the festival. Image: Shutterstock/Andrey Armyagov. Rajasthani folk dancers in colourful ethnic attire, performing their folk songs! Image: Shutterstock/Phuong D Nguyen.Hot-air balloons dominate Pushkar’s skyline these days. Image: Shutterstock/CherylRamalho.The camel race is one of the many thrilling activities you can witness during the festival. Image: Shutterstock/OlegD.Taking a break and finding a moment for oneself amid all the chaos. Image: Courtesy Instagram/stories_by_shivam.
