Travel · 02 October 2026
Pushkar Mela 2026: A Practical Visitor's Guide
पुष्कर मेला 2026 — यात्री गाइड
Every Kartik, the small lake town of Pushkar in Ajmer district becomes one of the largest gatherings in India. Traders bring tens of thousands of camels, horses and cattle, and pilgrims arrive for a dip in the sacred lake on Kartik Purnima — 24 November 2026.
Two fairs in one
The livestock fair starts first, around Kartik Shukla Ashtami, on the sand dunes west of town. By the time the full moon nears, the religious fair takes over: Panchtirth snan from Ekadashi to Purnima, and evening aarti at the 52 ghats.
Best days to go
- Early days (about 17–19 Nov) — the busiest camel trading, sunrise on the dunes and the most photogenic herds.
- Middle days — cultural events at the mela ground: moustache competitions, turban-tying, camel races and folk music.
- Ekadashi to Purnima (20–24 Nov) — the spiritual peak, with lakhs of pilgrims and the lamp-lit lake on the last night.
Don't miss
The Brahma temple, one of very few dedicated to Brahma; the climb to Savitri Mata temple for sunset; and the quieter ghats early in the morning before the crowds.
Practical tips
- Book tents or rooms well in advance — prices rise sharply in the final days.
- Pushkar is a holy town: no meat, eggs or alcohol in the market area.
- Ajmer railway station is about 15 km away; Jaipur airport is about 145 km.
- Nights in late November can drop below 10°C, so carry a shawl.
Exact event schedules are announced by the Rajasthan tourism department closer to the fair. Our dates are for Kartik Purnima as calculated for Jaipur.