Several competitions are organized during the fair. While the first two days (rather boring if you dont wish to carry cattle home) are reserved exclusively for camel trading, the rest are laden with fun for all visitors as all the trading takes a back seat. Needless to say, cattle and other livestock are also traded, but it's camels that hold the spotlight at the Pushkar fair. Camel traders and villagers from cities and states miles away join at Pushkar to show off their prized beasts. It was really a feast for the eyes.
One Really Decked up Camel !
All cows, horses and camels are groomed and preened to look their best. Some camels are even shaved to form different kind of patterns. These camels are also accessorized interestingly. The accessories meant for camels include jewelry made of silver and beads such as silver bells and bangles around their ankles.
Part of the revelry at the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan is the camel races and competitions that are organized here every year. Yet another exciting event is the camel beauty contest. In this one of a kind contest, visitors can enjoy the sight of camels being lovingly adorned and paraded. The camels strut before their ardent admirers and enjoy every moment in the limelight. The horses though slightly neglected, also receive their fair share of attention as they too are groomed and accessorized. The finest quality saddles can also be purchased her for horses.
Apart from admiring the Pushkar camels and cattle, one can enjoy the riot of colors that swarms the Pushkar Fair. Visitors can buy knick-knacks from all across Rajasthan at this fair. Turbans, women’s jewelry and trinkets are just few of the many things one can buy. One can also sample the delicious but strictly vegetarian Rajasthani cuisine here. Oh how I was craving chicken, an omlette even, nobody has a clue!
At the fair we also saw some to-die-for silver jewelry and what's more, the peices were available at throw away prices! Coming from the UK, I felt that just about everything in India was available at throw away prices. I got an exotic spa deal at a fabulous hotel in Udaipur for just 150 Pounds! Now that is unheard of in Leeds.
