Pushkar

Pushkar is a town and municipality in the Ajmer district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It lies in the Aravalli Hills and is situated near the city of Ajmer, with the town centered around Pushkar Lake. The site is often described as one of the oldest continually inhabited places in India, with legends linking its origin to the Hindu god Brahma.

Pushkar Lake is a sacred artificial lake ringed by bathing ghats and temples. Pilgrims bathe in the lake to purify themselves and perform rites, especially during auspicious periods such as Kartik Poornima. The lake is associated with Brahma, and a number of temples and shrines cluster around its banks.

The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is one of the few temples dedicated to Brahma in the world, making it a focal point for religious visitors. The town also contains other temples and sites of Hindu worship, as well as markets and bazaars that sell handicrafts and textiles.

Pushkar is famous for the Pushkar Camel Fair, or Pushkar Mela, held annually and attracting traders from across Rajasthan and beyond. The fair features livestock trading, camel races, cultural performances, and various competitions, drawing a significant number of tourists in addition to pilgrims.

Economy in Pushkar centers on pilgrimage and tourism, with crafts such as leather goods, embroidery, and silver jewelry forming a substantial part of local commerce. The town is accessible by road from Ajmer, with the nearest major railway station in Ajmer and airports in Jaipur or Udaipur serving as the primary air links.