When October drifts across Rajasthan, the air changes. The heat softens, the dunes turn golden, and Pushkar begins to stir. Within days, this quiet pilgrim town transforms into a whirl of sound and colour. From October 30 to November 5, the Pushkar Mela 2025 will once again fill the desert with music, laughter, and the smell of camel-scented dust and sweet malpua frying in ghee.
How the Fair Began
Long before tourists arrived with cameras and backpacks, Pushkar’s fair was about trade. Herders from far-off villages gathered here with their finest camels, horses, and cattle. Deals were struck, stories swapped, and friendships sealed over cups of chai.
Over time the fair grew, weaving religion into commerce. It now coincides with Kartik Purnima, the sacred full-moon night when thousands bathe in Pushkar Lake to wash away sins and seek blessings. That night the town glows—temple bells ring, chants roll across the water, and diyas float like tiny stars.
Where It All Happens
Everything unfolds around the Pushkar Mela Ground, a short walk from the lake. For one week, tents stretch to the horizon, folk bands wander through the crowds, and traders call out prices above the drumming.
Dates 2025: October 30 – November 5
What to Do at Pushkar Mela
1. Watch the Camel Spectacle
Camels steal the show. Their owners decorate them with beads, tassels, and bright cloth before parading them through the arena. Beauty contests and races draw cheers from every corner.
2. Lose Yourself in Folk Rhythms
Evenings belong to music. Local troupes perform Ghoomar, Kalbeliya, and Bhavai, dances that turn the desert into a stage. Sit back with tea in hand and let the dhol beats do the rest.
3. Try the Fun Contests
There’s no shortage of friendly madness—turban-tying, matka-balancing, and the legendary longest-moustache competition. Visitors are welcome to join, and laughter is guaranteed.
4. Feel the Spirit of Pushkar
At sunrise, pilgrims line the ghats for a dip in Pushkar Lake. Visit the Brahma Temple, the only one of its kind, and stay for the Maha Aarti after dusk when lamps flicker across the water.
5. Taste Rajasthan on a Plate
Follow the scent of spice to food stalls piled with dal baati churma, kachoris, and rabri-topped malpua. The flavours are earthy, bold, and impossible to forget.
6. Wander the Markets
Pushkar’s bazaars overflow with silver bangles, embroidered bags, leather footwear, and patchwork quilts. Every purchase feels like a souvenir of the desert itself.
Places You Shouldn’t Miss
Brahma Temple
An ancient shrine of marble and stone dedicated to Lord Brahma.
Timings: 5 am–1:30 pm and 3 pm–9 pm
Pushkar Lake
Fifty-two ghats encircle this sacred lake. Visit at sunset when the aarti lights ripple on the surface.
Aarti: 7 pm (summer), 5:30 pm (winter)
Man Mahal
Once a royal guest house built by Raja Man Singh I, now admired for its arches and lake views.
Timings: 9 am–5 pm
Savitri Temple
Perched high on Ratnagiri Hill, this temple rewards the climb—or a ropeway ride—with wide-angle views of the town and dunes.
Varaha Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s boar form, its carved walls and quiet courtyards recall Pushkar’s earliest days.
Timings: 6 am–12 pm and 4 pm–8 pm
Rangji Temple
A blend of South-Indian gopuram and Rajasthani design, showing how far Pushkar’s fame once reached.
Gurudwara Singh Sabha
A peaceful stop near the market, marking the visits of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Camel Safari and Sunset Point
Ride a camel or jeep into the dunes. As the sun sinks, the desert glows bronze and pink—a view that defines Rajasthan.
Rose Gardens and Local Bazaars
Pushkar is known for its roses. Walk through the farms or pick up rose oil, soap, and handmade incense from local stalls.
Why Go in 2025
The Pushkar Mela is many things at once—a trade fair, a pilgrimage, and a carnival. It’s a week when the desert forgets its silence and starts to sing.
Come for the spectacle, stay for the warmth. Pushkar doesn’t just show you Rajasthan; it lets you feel it.
Quick Facts
Dates: October 30 – November 5 2025
Location: Pushkar Mela Ground, Pushkar (Ajmer District, Rajasthan)
Highlights: Camel shows, folk music, competitions, temple visits, street food, and shopping
Nearby Sights: Brahma Temple, Pushkar Lake, Savitri Temple, Man Mahal, Rangji Temple, desert dunes
In a Line
Pushkar Mela 2025 is more than a fair—it’s a meeting of faith, colour, and endless desert sky.
