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Each year, upto 200,000 people flock to Pushkar for the Camel fair, bringing with them some 50,000 camels and cattle for saveral days of pilgrimage, live stock trading, horse dealing and spirited festivities. There are camel races, street theatre and a variety of stalls selling interesting handicrafts. The place becomes a flurry of activity with musicians, mystics, comedians, tourists, traders, animals and devotees all converging on the small town. A good camel can fetch tens of thousands of rupees and is a vital source of income for many villagers. This fair is the only one of its kind in the world and has featured in numerous magazines, travel shows and films. |
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This festival honours Parvati, the consort
of Lord Shiva. The women gracefully balancing brass pitchers
on their heads, wend their way to the temple of Gauri (Parvati)
for the ceremonial bath of the diety. Idols of Shiva and Parvati
are taken out in a procession accompanied by caparisoned
horses and elephants. |