11 km from Ajmer on the edge of the desert lies the tiny tranquil town of Pushkar along the bank of the picturesque pushkar lake an important pilgrimage spot for the Hindus.
The 'Nag pahar' or the snake mountain forms a natural boundary between Ajmer and Pushkar.
The lake has a mythological significance associated with it. According to myth, Lord Brahma was on his way to serch for a suitable place to perform a "Yagna' (a fire sacrifice) while contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the warth and water sprouted from three palce. One of them was Pushkar where Lord brahma performed his yagna.
Surrounded by hills on three sides, pushkar abounds in temples. Of these the most famous is the Brahma temple- the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the country.
The holy lake has 52 ghats and piligrim taking a ritual dip in the lake is a common sight.
Although a serene town, Pushkar bustles with life during the joyous celebration held on Kartik Purnima.
Every year thousand of devotees throng the lake around the full moon day of
Kartik Purnima in October-November to take a holy dip in the lake. A huge and co;lourful cattle fair-the pushkar fair, is also held during this time.
Dance music and colourful shops spring up during this fair. Also on sale are mouth-watering traditional delicacies. Colourfully attired village folk enhance the fun of the occasion.
A host of cultural event against the backdrop of this pretty setting are also organised including attractive puppet shows. Cattle auction and camel races are also a part of the festivities.
How to Reach Pushkar
Air: Jaipur 146 km is the nearest airport Rail : Ajmer 11km is the nearest railhead.
Road: Good road connections.
