Pushkar Mela 2025 Guide: What To Eat, Where To Stay And How To Soak In The Spirit

If you have ever imagined stepping into a living postcard of Rajasthan, picture a desert town bathed in gold, camels adorned with sequins and bells strutting across sandy lanes, and folk dancers twirling in mirrored skirts while drums echo through the air. The aroma of malpua and chai mingles with the scent of camel leather and desert dust. This is Pushkar Mela - India's most chaotic yet captivating fair, where tradition, spirituality, and spectacle meet in one unforgettable celebration.

In 2025, the Pushkar Fair runs from October 30 to November 5, promising a vibrant mix of camel parades, folk music, quirky competitions, soulful aartis, hot air balloon rides, and endless street food.

Also Read: From Rann Utsav To Surajkund Craft Mela: 10 Unmissable Winter Festivals In India

What Is Pushkar Mela All About?

Known as the Pushkar Camel Fair, this centuries-old tradition began as a humble livestock gathering where traders from Rajasthan and neighbouring states brought camels, horses, and cattle to sell or showcase. Over time, it evolved into one of the world's largest camel fairs, attracting more than two lakh visitors every year.

Today, the fair is far more than livestock trading. Camels take centre stage, painted and decorated with colourful fabrics and tinkling ornaments. Competitions like the Camel Beauty Contest and tug-of-war blend pride and humour, revealing the deep connection between herders and their animals.

Beyond the spectacle, the fair is also deeply spiritual. It coincides with Kartik Purnima, a sacred full moon night when thousands of devotees bathe in Pushkar Lake, seeking purification and blessings. It is where devotion meets desert drama - a cultural and spiritual festival rolled into one.

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Pushkar Mela 2025 Dates And Location

• Dates: October 30 - November 5, 2025
• Location: Pushkar Mela Ground, Pushkar, Ajmer District, Rajasthan
• Entry Fee: Free (Some experiences like balloon rides or guided safaris are ticketed)

Also Read: Travel To Rajasthan In Just Rs 20,000: How To Make It Happen

What To Expect At Pushkar Mela 2025?

1. Camel Shows And Parades

Camels are the undisputed stars. Dressed in sequined saddles and jingling bells, they strut through the fairgrounds like desert royalty. The Camel Beauty Contest is a crowd favourite - some camels look majestic, while others, decorated with flowers, hats, and painted hooves, steal the show with their eccentric charm.

These camels are not just performers. Many have been raised by the same families for generations, making every parade a proud display of Rajasthan's pastoral heritage.

2. Folk Music And Dance

The fair pulses with music that can be felt as much as heard. Drums beat, dancers twirl, and mirrored skirts flash in the sun. From the hypnotic Kalbelia to the graceful Ghoomar, every performance is a living story of love, longing, and desert life.

Visitors often find themselves clapping to the beat or joining the dancers, blurring the line between performer and spectator. This is not just entertainment - it is the very rhythm of Pushkar itself.

3. Quirky Competitions

Adding a dose of fun and absurdity, Pushkar Mela thrives on its quirky contests. There is the Longest Moustache Competition, the Turban Tying Challenge, and the Bride and Groom Dress-Up contest that sends the crowd into fits of laughter.

Villagers compete in traditional games like Gilli Danda, while the Matka Race turns the dusty fairground into a scene of playful chaos. These events bring nostalgia, humour, and a sense of community to the festive madness.

4. Spiritual Experiences

Beyond the music and mayhem, Pushkar remains a sacred town. Pilgrims walk along the 52 ghats of Pushkar Lake, where the water glows under the light of floating diyas at sunset. The Maha Aarti is particularly mesmerising - priests chant in unison as the air fills with hymns, incense, and the glow of fire. It is a moment that silences even the noisiest crowd.

5. The Food Trail

Pushkar Mela is as much about food as it is about folklore. The streets are lined with stalls serving traditional Rajasthani dishes - each plate more indulgent than the last.

Must-tries include:

• Dal Baati Churma
• Malpua with Rabri
• Khasta Kachori
• Pani Puri
• Kalakand

Pair it with a glass of rose lassi or masala chai, and you have a meal that captures the warmth and flavour of the desert.

6. Shopping At The Bazaar

The bazaar is a kaleidoscope of colour and craft. Stalls overflow with silver jewellery, embroidered juttis, camel leather goods, bohemian skirts, and rose-infused skincare.

Bargaining is not just expected - it is part of the experience. Take time to talk to artisans, understand their craft, and choose something meaningful to take home. Shopping here feels less like retail therapy and more like storytelling through souvenirs.

Also Read: From Pushkar To Surajkund: How To Make The Most Of India's Iconic Fairs

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Offbeat Experiences You Should Not Miss:

• Hot Air Balloon Ride: Glide over the fair at sunrise to see the desert come alive from above.
• Camel Safari: Ride into the dunes at sunset, feeling the desert wind as the sky turns indigo.
• Desert Camping: Stay in luxury tents with bonfires, folk music, and a sky full of stars.
• Photography Walks: The fair is a visual feast - from painted faces to bejewelled camels, every frame is worth capturing.

What To See In Pushkar Beyond The Fair?

When the fair slows down, the town reveals another side - quieter, spiritual, and timeless.

1. Pushkar Lake: The spiritual heart of the town surrounded by temples and ghats.
2. Brahma Temple: One of the very few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma.
3. Savitri Temple: Offers panoramic views of Pushkar after a 500-step climb or a scenic ropeway ride.
4. Man Mahal: A stunning example of Rajput architecture.
5. Varaha Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu's boar incarnation.

Suggested 5-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival And Aarti By The Lake

Arrive in Pushkar by noon and settle into your stay - whether that is a luxury camp or a heritage haveli. Start your trip with a visit to the Brahma Temple, one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. Wander through the narrow lanes filled with marigold sellers and street musicians. In the evening, head to Pushkar Lake for the Maha Aarti, when hundreds of diyas float on the water under the full moon sky. The chants, drums, and incense set the tone for the days ahead.

Day 2: Camels, Colours And Local Crafts

Dedicate your second day to the Pushkar Mela ground. Watch camels and their handlers take part in beauty contests, races, and parades. Spend the afternoon soaking in the fair's energy - Rajasthani folk dancers performing on open stages, puppet shows for children, and traders selling embroidered fabrics and silver jewellery. Visit the Pushkar Bazaar to shop for souvenirs like leather bags, tie-dye scarves, and miniature paintings. End your day with some malpua and rabri from a street-side stall - a sweet ritual you should not skip.

Day 3: Balloon Rides, Street Food And Competitions

Wake up before sunrise for a hot air balloon ride over Pushkar. As you drift above the desert, the view of hundreds of camels and tents below is surreal. Later, join in on the fair's quirky side - watch the Longest Moustache Contest or cheer at the Turban Tying Challenge. Sample as much local food as possible: dal baati churma, kachori, rose lassi, and kulhad chai. In the evening, catch a live Kalbelia dance performance or simply people-watch by the fairground as the sun dips behind the dunes.

Day 4: Desert Safari And Cultural Evenings

Set out for a camel or jeep safari into the Thar Desert. As you ride through dunes and scrubland, the stillness of the landscape feels miles away from the Mela chaos. Stop at small villages along the route to meet locals or buy handcrafted trinkets. Return to your camp or hotel at sunset for a bonfire evening with folk music and Rajasthani dinner. Under a sky scattered with stars, this is Pushkar at its most cinematic.

Day 5: Temples, Cafés And Farewell To The Fair

Keep your last morning unhurried. Visit the Savitri Temple, perched on a hilltop, either by the ropeway or after a 500-step climb - the panoramic view of Pushkar and its lake is worth the effort. Grab breakfast at one of the lakeside cafés before saying goodbye to the town. As you leave, the sound of drums and the smell of chai seem to follow you - a reminder that Pushkar's charm never really fades.

How To Reach Pushkar?

• By Air: Jaipur International Airport is 156 km away. A taxi to Pushkar costs roughly Rs. 2,000-2,500.
• By Train: The nearest station is Ajmer, around 30 minutes away by road.
• By Bus: Frequent buses connect Jaipur and Ajmer to Pushkar.

Once there, you can walk, take a cycle rickshaw, or hop onto a horse cart for short distances.

Also Read: Travel To Rajasthan In Just Rs 20,000: How To Make It Happen

Where To Stay?

Pushkar's accommodation scene swings from barefoot backpacker to full-on luxury. During the Mela, everything fills up fast, so booking early is not just smart - it is survival.

1. Hostels And Homestays:

If you are travelling on a budget, Pushkar has several hostels and family-run homestays close to the Mela ground. Options like Moustache Pushkar, Zostel Pushkar, and Elephant Pushkar offer dorm beds and private rooms starting around Rs.800-Rs.2,000 per night. They are ideal for solo travellers or those who prefer a laid-back, social vibe.

2. Luxury Desert Camps:

For something more indulgent, check into glamping-style stays that mix rustic charm with modern comforts. The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa (around Rs.12,000+ per night) offers private villas, a spa, and desert views that feel cinematic at sunset. Closer to the dunes, Orchard Tents & Tranquility and Royal Safari Camp set up luxury tents with bonfires, folk performances, and candlelit dinners, with prices starting at Rs.10,000-Rs.18,000 per night.

3. Heritage Havelis And Boutique Hotels:

If you would rather soak in history, Pushkar and nearby Ajmer are dotted with restored havelis and royal retreats. Pratap Mahal, Ajmer - IHCL SeleQtions (from Rs.5,000+ per night) brings five-star polish to Rajput-style architecture. Pushkar Fort, a luxury heritage resort set against the Aravallis, offers old-world grandeur for Rs.3,000-Rs.10,000 per night.

Pro Tip: Accommodation sells out weeks in advance during Pushkar Mela. Book early, and if you want quiet mornings, look for stays slightly away from the main fairground.

Also Read: 7 Breathtaking Forts in Rajasthan That Will Leave You Speechless

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Travel Tips For Pushkar Mela 2025:

• Dress in cotton and wear comfortable shoes.
• Carry a scarf and stay hydrated.
• Respect local customs; Pushkar is a vegetarian and alcohol-free town.
• Carry cash, as ATMs can run out.
• Keep valuables safe and arrive early to avoid crowds.

Estimated Budget:

• Meals: Rs. 300-500 per person per day
• Safari or Balloon Ride: Rs. 1,000-2,500
• Shopping: Rs. 500-2,000 depending on what you pick

Even on a modest budget, Pushkar Mela 2025 promises a sensory overload - camels strutting like runway models, folk music echoing through the dunes, and the sweetness of malpua lingering long after you leave.