Pushkar Fair to begin from October 31

JAIPUR: The Pushkar Fair, which attracts lakhs of people including foreign tourists, will be held from October 31 to November 6 this year.

The tourism department has lined up a number of events for the week-long extravaganza in Pushkar of Ajmer district, Ajmer's Tourist Officer H L Sharma said.

"There will be several competitions, rural sports, cattle exhibitions, camel decoration show and even horse dance performances. The special features include the arts and crafts bazaar. Each evening will be a cultural bonanza with a number of folk performances," he said.

Sharma said visitors and tourists will not only get to witness the largest cattle fair of the country but also a melange of cultural and musical events.

During the fair, lakhs of people from rural parts of the country flock to the holy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, along with camel and cattle for several days of livestock trading, horse dealing and pilgrimage.

According to the Hindu chronology, the fair takes place in the month of Kartika beginning on 'ashtmi' -- 8th day of Lunar Calendar, and continues till full moon (Poornima).

Camel and cattle trading is at its peak during the first half of festival period, while religious activities dominate the latter half.