Pushkar is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage sites for devout Hindus). It is often called "Tirth Raj" - the king of pilgrimage sites - and has in recent years become a popular destination for foreign tourists. Pushkar is one of the oldest cities of India. Pushkar lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. The date of its actual origin is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation. It is mentioned that Brahma performed penance here for 60,000 years to have a glimpse of Vishnu. Pushkar has many temples & the most famous among all is the Brahma Temple built during the 14th century AD. Very few temples to Lord Brahma exist anywhere in the world.
The Pushkar lake has 52 ghats where pilgrims descend to the lake to bathe in the sacred waters. Pushkar is also famous for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair. Due to a large presence of Israeli tourists it may seem like Hebrew has become second language in Pushkar, with many sign boards, hoardings and information written in Hebrew. Pushkar fair continues for five days and these five days are a period of relaxation and merry-making for the villagers. This fair time is the most busy time for them, as this is one of the largest cattle fairs in the country. Animals, especially camels, are brought from miles around. Trading is brisk as several thousand heads of cattle exchange hands. All the camels are cleaned, washed, adorned, some are interestingly shorn to form patterns, and special stalls are set up selling finery and jewellery for the camels. Camels at the Pushkar fair are decorated with great care.
They wear jewellery of silver and beads. There are silver bells and bangles around their ankles that jingle-jangle when they walk. An interesting ritual is the piercing of a camel's nose. It has more than 400 temples including the only one temple in India dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Brahma, the Creator of the Universe. According to Indian Mythology, after visiting all the Hindu pilgrim towns and temples (Four Dhams), if Pushkar is not visited for Pooja, then salvation is not achieved. According to the Hindu calendar Pushkar Fair commences in Nawami (Ninth Moon) and ends in Purnima (Full Moon) in the month of Kartika, which can be in October or November depending on the Moon calendar In Pushkar, one of the biggest Cattle Fair is also held for trading purposes and the best cattle in all categories are awarded. Countless people in their colourful attire gather to take a dip in the Holy Lake and pray to the deities. The whole town comes alive with vibrant folk music and dances, magic shows, horse and camel races and various other traditional entertainment competitions.Pushkar, with more than 12 local fairs and festivals of 10 –15 days duration is a year round destination. It is a mellow town by the great lake of Pushkar amidst the perfume of jasmine and rose flowers. More than 4,000 to 6,000 visitors from all over the world come to Pushkar everyday.
The best time to go for ballooning in Pushkar is at the time of Pushkar Fair when the climate in Rajasthan is at its coolest. Winter months provide the most reliable conditions, though ballooning is offered September through March in India. However seat in basket ballooning passenger flights are offered at Pushkar only during the Pushkar Fair. At other times, the balloon needs to be chartered. At present licensed commercial ballooning is offered only by Sky Waltz at Pushkar. Licensed ballooning means the pilots hold commercial aviation licenses recognised by the DGCA, the Civil Aviation authority of India. Further passengers are insured as per international norms.
Flights are early morning and evening. The flights are free flying flights and last for about an hour. The duration of ballooning flight can change at the pilot's discretion, taking into account the winds, temperature and weight carried on the day. Tethered flights may be available on request.(This sounds like advertising - should it be removed?)
