The Pushkar Camel Fair (locally Pushkar Mela or Kartik Mela) is equal parts livestock market, pilgrimage and desert carnival – a riot of colour, sound and ceremonial spectacle held beside Pushkar Lake each year. In 2025 the fair takes place around Kartik Purnima and is widely scheduled for 30 October – 5 November 2025; those are the dates many organisers and guides list as the main fair period this year.
Below you’ll find a practical, travel-ready guide: what the mela is, the must-see events (camel races, cultural parades, competitions), where to watch Kalbeliya dancers, hot-air balloon options, camping & accommodation tips, a day-by-day plan, photography advice and the local foods you should try.
What is the Pushkar Mela (Pushkar Camel Fair)?
A centuries-old gathering that grew from a cattle market during the holy Kartik month into one of India’s largest livestock fairs and cultural festivals. Farmers and traders bring camels, horses and cattle for sale and barter; after trading comes the entertainment – camel parades and races, turban-tying and moustache contests, tribal folk performances, puppet shows and colourful bazaars. The fair culminates with rituals on Kartik Purnima (full-moon) at Pushkar Lake.
Pushkar Camel Fair 2025: Key Facts
- Dates: 30 Oct – 5 Nov 2025 (main fair period; Kartik Purnima is the final, most spiritual day).
- Location: Pushkar Mela Ground and the lakeside/adjacent dunes, Pushkar (near Ajmer, Rajasthan).
- Why go: camel trading + races, vibrant bazaars, nightly folk performances (Kalbeliya, Ghoomar, puppets), and unique photo ops.
Day-By-Day – what typically happens each day
Day 0 – Arrival & settling in
Arrive via Ajmer (train) or Jaipur (flight + road). Book accommodation early – Pushkar fills fast. Evening: walk the lake ghats.
Day 1 – Opening / early trading
Flag hoisting, opening ceremony and traders settling in; mornings already show camel arrivals and bargaining. Good for calm market scenes.
Days 2–4 – Peak trading & competitions
Camel trading is at its busiest during the middle days (best photo and barter opportunities). Expect: camel races, decorated-camel parades, tug-of-war, turban-tying and moustache contests, horse shows and local games. Early mornings (6–10am) are best for livestock trading and colourful parades.
Evenings (every night)
Cultural programmes on the mela ground: Kalbeliya and Ghoomar dances, puppet shows, folk music, and fire acts – the atmosphere is magical after dusk.
Final day – Kartik Purnima
Pilgrims take holy dips at Pushkar Lake; the town is busiest and most devotional. If you prefer fewer crowds, avoid the lakeside early morning on the final day.
Best Time To Visit For Camel Trading
- Best days: Typically Days 2–6 of the mela (the middle period) when trading is at its peak and tents/tribes are fully assembled.
- Best time of day: Early morning (≈6–10am) for bargaining, parades and camels being prepared; late afternoon also has good light and activity. If your primary aim is livestock trading photos or to buy camels, arrive a day or two before the official start – many traders set up earlier.
Context note (2025): A recent Rajasthan government decision to relax long-standing interstate camel transport restrictions may influence camel availability and prices at fairs – a factor to watch if you’re interested in trade.
Is There A Hot-Air Balloon Ride At Pushkar Fair?
Yes, several local operators run hot-air balloon flights over Pushkar during the fair (usually flown early morning for best winds and views). These are popular and often sell out; prices vary by operator and flight length. Book in advance through reputable operators or packages.
Where To See Kalbeliya Dance At Pushkar Fair
Kalbeliya (the “snake-charming” folk dance) and other Rajasthani troupes perform nightly on the main mela stages and at cultural tents dotted around the fairground. For an intimate experience, check the evening cultural programme at the mela ground and smaller community tents inside the fair – the largest, most organized performances happen after sunset on the main stage.
What To Buy At The Pushkar Mela bazaar
- Camel-and-tribal accessories: harnesses, bells and decorative trappings.
- Handicrafts: mirrorwork textiles, embroidered dupattas, Rajasthani jewellery, mojari shoes.
- Spices, local snacks, tribal jewellery and saris.
Haggle politely: it’s expected.
Pushkar Mela Photography Tips & Best Spots
- Golden hour & early morning: sunrise on the dunes and lake gives soft light; traders lead camels in their colourful tack – arrive early.
- Savitri Mata temple hill: climb for sweeping aerial views of the town, lake and mela ground – great for panoramas.
- Mela ground and traders’ camps: candid life-and-work shots, but ask permission before photographing close portraits (many performers/traders appreciate being asked and sometimes expect a small tip).
- Use a mid-telephoto (85–200mm) and a wide angle (24–35mm); keep ISO moderate for night cultural shows and use a fast lens if you want low-light shots without flash. Practical tip: carry extra batteries and a cleaning cloth for the desert dust.
Local Rajasthani Food To Try At Pushkar Fair
- Dal-Baati-Churma – the iconic Rajasthani platter.
- Ker sangri – local desert vegetable dish (dried berries and beans).
- Malpua / Ghevar / Rabri – desserts sold around festivals.
- Street snacks: kachori, lassi, jalebi and local chai stalls around the lake and market lanes. Try small stalls recommended by your hotel for the freshest options.
Responsible & Safety Notes
- Animal welfare: Look for humane displays and avoid vendors who encourage dangerous handling of animals for photos. Be conscious when photographing animals – keep distance and follow organisers’ rules.
- Crowds: Kartik Purnima is the busiest (religious rituals at the lake). If you prefer calmer access to trading, visit during the middle fair days rather than the very last day.
- Health & hydration: The desert is dry; carry water and sun protection. Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll walk a lot.
Practical Travel Tips
- Getting there: Ajmer is the nearest rail hub (~15 km from Pushkar). Jaipur is the closest major airport. Many travellers combine Pushkar with Jaipur/Ajmer tours.
- Cash & bargaining: Many stalls accept cash only; ATMs get busy – withdraw ahead. Haggle respectfully.
- Book early: Accommodation, balloon rides and guided tours sell out quickly during the mela. Hot-air-balloon flights in particular should be reserved in advance.
Quick Sample Itinerary (2 Full Days)
Day A – Morning: early arrival at mela ground for camel trading & parades (6–10am).
Afternoon: explore bazaars, grab lassi and local snacks. Rest.
Evening: head to mela ground for folk performances (Kalbeliya/Ghoomar). Night photography.
Day B – Sunrise: optional hot-air balloon flight (pre-book) or Savitri Mata hill for sunrise panoramas. Late morning: visit Brahma Temple and lakeside ghats. Afternoon: visit traders’ camps (with guide). Evening: more cultural shows and final shopping.
Summing Up
Pushkar Camel Fair 2025 (30 Oct – 5 Nov) is a once-in-a-lifetime blend of pilgrimage, livestock trade and desert pageantry. Arrive early for camel trading (best in the middle days and early mornings), book hot-air balloon flights and accommodation well ahead, and don’t miss the evening Kalbeliya and folk performances. Bring layers (desert nights cool), plenty of water, a good camera kit, and an appetite for dal-baati-churma. Above all, enjoy the hum of a living tradition – colourful camels, moonlit ghats and a marketplace that’s part ritual, part carnival.
