PUSHKAR

One of the most sacred lakers in india is that of pushkar, which is only rivalled by the lake of Mansourwar, in Tibet. It is situated in a narrow valley surrounded by immense mounds of shifting sand; and a few isolated peaks stand out on its borders with great effect. Its form is nearly a perfect oval, and at its southern extremity it empties itself by a narrow canal into an immense marsh. The origin of this lake is attributed to Lord Brahma. 

 The story goes that the god, wishing to celebrate sacrifice of Yug, stopped for that purpose in the valley, having first placed genii at the entrance of all passes to keep off the evil spirits. Just as he was going to perform the cermony, he perceived that his wife Saraswati had not accompanied him; and, as the presence of a woman is necessary, he employed one of the Apsaras. Saraswati was so grieved at this infidelity that she hid herself in the mountains to weep, and was transformed into a fountain. Several centuries after, one of the Purihara Kings of Mundore lost his way while hunting, and, feeling healed of a disease previously incurable, and recognised the miraculous property of the spring. Shortly afterwards he returned, and had a basin dug out to receive the waters, which now from the lake of pushkar.

This lake soon become a favourite resort of pilgrims, and during the midlle Ags temples and cenotaphs. Gradually quite a town of relegious buildings sprang up, peopled by Brahmins. The wealthy pilgrims from all parts of India brought untold riches to Pushkar, and the princes spared no expense to enrich the holy inhabitations of the sacred town. Padma Purana, elaborately describes the origin and importance of this lake. It says that Brahma, the Creator of the Universe, was once contemplating to locate a suitable spot on earth to perform a 'Yajna' (sacrificial ritual), the lotus fell from his hand and rebounding, struck the earth at three places within a circuit of kms. Water issued forth, from all the three places and the Creator called all the three as Pushkar (lotus) distinguishing them as 'Jyeshtha' (elder), 'Madhya' (central) and 'Kanishtha' (younger).

The festivity advances to the open sandspreads of the Polo Grounds, followed by camel races, camel milking, fur cutting design, the best breed competition, camel acrobatics, camel bands and watching all this, are the gaping spectators. The camel display amazing foot-work, dancing gracefully to the slightest direction of their riders.

Colourful bridles, bejeweled necks, jingling anklets and long, lanky camel shadows on dusky sands, cast a magic spell. The jubilant, skirt-swirling Gair dancers, the awe inspiring Fire dance, and dazzling fire-works light up the fortified desert city of Bikaner.
According to mythology, he performed the 'Yajna' at Jyeshtha Pushkar from Kartik Shukla Ekadashi to Purnima. Lakhs of devotees assemble and bathe in the holy waters during this period of the year; but bathing on the last day which is the full moon (Purnima) day, confers special blessings. 
One of the major attractions in Pushkar is the Pushkar Fair the cattle fair is held here on this occasion, where other animals like camels and horses are also bought and sold. It is attended by people from far and wide.

Fair & Festivals
Pushkar Fair (12th - 15th November, 2005)
The well-known and marked with largest participation of all the festivals of Rajasthan, Pushkar is an important pilgrimage as well as the venue of a mammoth cattle fair. Bazaars, auctions, music and sports are highlight of this event. Recommended. 

The Pushkar Fair, a major tourist attraction draws people from all over the globe to the ancient and secluded environment of Pushkar town. Pushkar Fair is perhaps the largest cattle fair in the world. Rajasthan which is enriched by cattle wealth is the home to many recognized breeds of cattle

Pushkar History
Historically, Pushkar always had great strategic importance and was sacked by Mahumud of Ghazni on one of his periodic forays from Afghanistan. Later it became a favorite residence of the great Moghula. One of the first contacts between the Moghula and the British occurred in Pushkar when Sir Thomas Roe met with Jahangir here in 1616. The city was subsequently taken by the Scindias and, in 1818, it was handed over to the British, becoming one of the few places in Rajasthan controlled directly by British rather than being part of a princely state.

Culture 
Located just 11 kms from Ajmer, the holy lake of Pushkar is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma himself. It is as important as Banaras or Puri. Devout Hindus believe that it is essential to visit Pushkar at least once in their lifetime. No pilgrimage is considered complete without a dip in the holy Pushkar lake. Pushkar has as many as 400 temples and 52 ghats and the only temple in the country that is dedicated to Brahma is to be found here. While Pushkar is a heaven for the religiously inclined, it is also the venue of one of the country's most colorful cattle fairs - the Pushkar Fair. 


Getting Around
Pushkar is a relatively small town and easy enough to get around on foot There are no auto-rickshaws in the town center. A bicycle is best to get around.

Shopping
Pushkar main bazaar is a tangle of narrow lanes lined with an assortments of interesting small shops. 

Particularly good buys include silver and beaded jewellery, embroidered fabrics, bed and cushion covers. Rajasthani puppets and fusion music. Its also great place to but books. There's is a excellent range of second hand novels in various language available. 

Things you can do 
Each year, up to 200,000 people flock to Pushkar for the Camel Fair, bringing with them some 50,000 camels and cattle for several days of pilgrimage, horse dealing, camel racing and colourful festivities. The Rajasthan tourist office has promoted the fair as an international attraction by adding Rajasthan dance programmes and other cultural events and by putting up a huge ten city for the Indian and foreign visitor. 

Places to see
Temples
Pushkar boasts temples, through few are as ancient pilgrimage site many were destroyed by Aurangzeb and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is what is said to be the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma. It's marked by a red spire and over the entrance gateway is the Hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as its site. The Rangji Temple chosen is also important.

The one - hour trek up to the hilltop temple overlooking the lake is best made early in the morning; the view is magnificent.
Ghats Numerous ghats run down to the lake, and pilgrims are constantly bathing in the lake's holy waters. If you wish to join them, do it with respect - remove your shoes, don't smoke and don't take photographs. This is not Varanasi and the pilgrims here can be very touchy about insensitive instruction by non - Hindus.