Pushkar
 There is general belief among Hindus that no pilgrimage to the four
principal pilgrim centres (Char Dham), namely, Badrinath, Jagannath,
Rameshwaram & Dwarka would bear fruit unless one bathes in the holy
waters of Pushkar Lake. 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 at the earth at three places within a circuit of 9
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 (yonger). According
to mythology, he performed the Yajna at Jyeshtha Pushkar from Kartik
Shukla Ekdashi 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 blessing. In
recent years, an exclusive accommodation Tourist Village is also
erected for foreign tourists. Competitions are organized for them and
cultural programmes are held acquainting them with the Rajasthani way
of life and culture. Pushkar has 52 bathing ghats and many temples,
big and small; the most celebrated being that of Brahma, the Creator
of Universe.
Pushkar Fair
 The ancient town of Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular fair
ground in the month of Kartik. The fair attracts a great number of
tourists from far and wide. The fair-grounds reverberate with
festivity, as row of make shift stalls display a bewildering array of
items that compete with each other for the visitor's attention. But
the highlight of Pushkar fair is the trading in camels. Camels are
bought, sold, decked up and paraded on the sand dunes, presenting a
picturesque sight. The camel, horses and donkey races are events that
draw huge attendance. Body tattooing is yet another favourite activity
that attracts a large number of enthusiasts. The Pushkar fair brings
together a large number of villagers from different Parts of the
state. Some come here to sell. Some come here to buy. Others come here
on a pilgrimage. Still others come here just to enjoy the festivities.
The days are filled with fun and activities. The evenings are filled
with music and dance. Come dusk, And the rich strains of haunting
music are carried across the desert sands. The profusion of colours
that run riot in the desert sands, the glee and the contagious
enthusiasm of the village folk are unique experience for every
visitor.
Reaching Pushkar
By Air
The nearest airport from Pushkar is Jaipur. Jaipur is well connected
to all the major cities which includes Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata,
Jodhpur, Udaipur. Recently, flights to Dubai has also started from
Pushkar by Indian Airlines.
By Bus
Pushkar is 11 km from main Ajmer bus stand. Rajasthan Roadways run
very comfortable deluxe buses from Jaipur. There are buses from Jaipur
to Ajmer every 15 minutes, some nonstop. The roads are very good, and
it takes around 3 hrs from Jaipur. You can also come by hire private
cars.
By Train
The nearest railway station for Pushkar is Ajmer, which is on the
Broad Gauge and hence connected to all the metro cities of India.
There are daily trains from Delhi in morning (Shatabdhi Exp).
PLACES OF INTEREST :
 Brahma Temple: Though he may have no other temple sacred to his
memory, Brahma seems to have take full advantage of the only one where
prayers are offered to him. Not only did he perform a Yagya or ritual
fire ceremony here, he also dropped a lotus form his hands to crated
the lake where people bathe before offering him prayers. A silver
turtle at the entrance of the marble temple is a symbol of his means
of transport. Pushkar is best known for its Brahma Temple, though it
is by no means the only temple here, with as many as found hundred
temples lining the banks of the lake. Spires form a skyline that, when
the Vesper bells rings, are worthy of the kingdom of heaven itself.
Though it visited throughout the year, Pushkar in November, during the
time of its annual fair, is a colourful mass of people & celebrations
coinciding with the largest camel fair held in the world.
 Pushkar Lake: The Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 flights of
steps, called ghats, many having special legendary importance. Lord
Vishnu is said to have appeared at the Varah Ghat in the form of a
boar. Brahma took a bath here and performed Yajna at the Brahma Ghat,
Accompanied by Vishnu and Mahadev. Guru Govind Singh chose this site
for reciting the sacred Guru Granth Sahib. The ashes of Mahatma Gandhi
were immersed at the Ghandhi Ghat, which was previously called Gau
Ghat.
The Holy dips (Snan) People consider the water of the Pushkar Lake to
be very sacred and the ritual of taking dips in the holy water is
believed to bestow salvation. The holy dip is most auspicious on
Kartik Poornima. Even before sunrise, people descend the ghats, aided
by the pandas (Brahmin priests) to take the sacred bath. Offerings of
coconut, flowers and cash are made to the lake & the priests. After
bathing at the lake, people proceed to pay homage to the creator of
the Universe, Lord Brahma at the Brahma Temple.
Floating Lamps (Deepdan): It is customary to float lighted
earthen lamps after placing them on pattals (plates made of leaves) on
the waters of the lake. This creates a spectacular view in the evening
when the sacred lake takes on a mystical tint sprinkled with twinkling
spot of light. Aarti is offered at the Lake in the morning and
evening.
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