Pushkar Fair 2025: Dates, full schedule, key events, and travel details

One of India’s most iconic and vibrant fairs, the Pushkar Camel Fair, also known as Pushkar Cattle Fair or Pushkar Mela, is all set to return to Rajasthan’s desert town of Pushkar between October 30 and November 5, 2025. Famous for its kaleidoscope of colors, rich traditions, and cultural performances, the fair is among the world’s largest cattle and camel fairs, drawing thousands of visitors, traders, and tourists from across India and abroad.
The 7-day Pushkar Mela, hosted by Rajasthan Tourism, brings together religious devotion, rural trade, and lots and lots of exciting entertainment. The fair takes place on the full moon of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik and is traditionally held during Karthika Purnima. It is believed that Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, performed a religious rite at Pushkar Lake on this day, giving rise to the town's spiritual significance. Devotees from all over the country take a holy dip in the lake, believed to wash away sins and grant blessings.
The fair draws hundreds of cattle owners to buy, sell, and display camels, horses, lambs, and goats. Over time, this fair developed into a significant tourist attraction with cultural performances, competitions, and adventurous activities. Nevertheless, the touristy crowd is unmissable during this time here.

A lively schedule of religious rituals, cultural entertainment, and traditional competitions is promised for this year's event. It is anticipated that about 30,000 camels and livestock will congregate at the carnival, making for an amazing sight against the golden beaches. Devotional rites, cultural events, and rural sports will take place during the remaining days, with camel trading and competitions taking front stage during the first four days.
Official Dates: October 30 to November 5, 2025

Day 1 (October 30, Thursday):
Flag hoisting and traditional Nagada Vadan at the mela ground
Mandana competition, school dance performances, and a “Chak De Rajasthan” football match between locals and foreigners
Evening Maha Aarti, Deepdaan, and cultural performances including the “Voice of Pushkar” show
Day 2 (October 31, Friday):
Traditional games such as Langri Taang and Gilli Danda
Camel Decoration and Camel Dance competitions
Evening performances by local artists and cultural troupes
Day 3 (November 1, Saturday):
Kabaddi match between locals and foreigners
Horse Dance competition and rural sports
Musical evenings featuring folk and fusion bands like Kabir Café
Day 4 (November 2, Sunday):
Spiritual walk and procession
Inauguration of the Food and Craft Festival at Shilpgram
Evening Maha Aarti and “Best of Rajasthan” cultural show
Day 5 (November 3, Monday):
“Lagaan”-style cricket match and rural sports finals
Turban-tying and moustache competitions for visitors
Bollywood Night featuring Roop Kumar Rathod and Sonali Rathod
Day 6 (November 4, Tuesday):
Matka race and musical chair for women participants
Ramayan performance by Shri Baneshwari Kala Kendra
Kavi Sammelan in the evening
Day 7 (November 5, Wednesday):
Closing ceremony, prize distribution, and camel/horse show
Grand Maha Aarti at Pushkar Lake marking the fair’s conclusion

The Pushkar Mela offers the best of Rajasthani culture, handicrafts, and folk art in addition to camel trading. Visitors can purchase jewellery, textiles, silver ornaments, patchwork, tie-and-dye fabrics, and Nagaur beaded necklaces. The streets are lined with local food vendors, and the fair is well-known for its body painting and tattoo booths. However, because Pushkar is a religious event, alcohol and non-vegetarian food are strictly forbidden.
One of the attractions of the fair is the camel beauty contest, in which beautifully adorned camels vie for the top award. The moustache and turban-tying contests, in which both tourists and residents enthusiastically compete, are another popular event.

Beyond the fairground, Pushkar offers a range of exciting experiences:
Hot air ballooning: Get a bird’s-eye view of the fair and the surrounding desert landscape.
Camel and horse rides: Experience the rustic charm of Rajasthan the traditional way.
Sunset safari: Watch camel caravans move across the dunes under the golden sky.
Quad biking: Explore the edges of the Thar Desert for a dose of adventure.
Sacred bath at Pushkar Lake: Join devotees in the ritual dip during Karthika Purnima for a spiritual experience.

By air: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is around 146 km away. Taxis and buses are available from Jaipur to Pushkar.
By train: Ajmer Railway Station is the closest railhead, around 11 km from Pushkar.
By road: Those going via road, can reach Pushkar easily from Jaipur, Jodhpur, and other major Rajasthan cities. Regular buses and taxis are available from Ajmer.

Whether you are enthralled by the sight of camels dressed in vibrant finery, the sound of folk music echoing across the dunes, or the ethereal ambiance of Pushkar Lake, the Pushkar Camel Fair 2025 promises to be an incredible experience. Every traveler should see it at least once in their lives as it is a celebration of Rajasthan's desert tradition in all its grandeur, fusing devotion, commerce, and festivity.