The Pushkar Fair Programme 2026 brings together Rajasthan’s colourful camel and livestock traditions, cultural performances, competitions, religious ceremonies, local markets and festive activities in the historic town of Pushkar. The Pushkar Fair, also known as Pushkar Camel Fair, Pushkar Mela or Pushkar Cattle Fair, is scheduled from 17 November to 24 November 2026.
Held around the sacred Pushkar Lake, the annual fair attracts travellers, photographers, pilgrims, livestock traders and visitors interested in Rajasthan’s traditional culture. The programme combines the commercial side of the cattle fair with music, dance, competitions, religious activities and colourful celebrations.
Pushkar Fair Programme 2026
The programme is spread across several days, with different activities taking place during the fair period. Visitors can see decorated camels, livestock trading, cultural shows, traditional competitions, religious ceremonies and festive gatherings.
The main attractions generally include camel and livestock activities, cultural performances, rural competitions, Pushkar Lake rituals, local shopping and closing celebrations.
Day 1 – Pushkar Fair Inauguration & Flag Hoisting
The opening day sets the festive atmosphere for the Pushkar Mela. The fair traditionally begins with an inauguration and ceremonial flag hoisting.
Visitors can see decorated camels, livestock traders and local participants arriving at the fairground. Traditional musicians and performers add colour to the opening celebrations, while the surrounding desert landscape creates an impressive setting for photography.
For travellers arriving early, this is a good time to become familiar with the fairground and see the beginning of the livestock activities.
Day 2 – Livestock Trading & Camel Competitions
Livestock activities form an important part of the Pushkar Fair. Camels, horses and other animals are brought to Pushkar by traders from different parts of Rajasthan.
One of the most popular attractions is the camel beauty competition, where carefully groomed and decorated camels become part of the festivities. Visitors can also see traders preparing their animals and interacting with other participants.
The atmosphere around the livestock area provides an authentic view of Rajasthan’s rural traditions.
Day 3 – Cultural Performances & Traditional Competitions
The third day brings more entertainment and cultural activity to the fair.
Visitors may see Rajasthani folk music, Kalbelia dance and Ghoomar performances, along with traditional competitions. Turban tying, matka races, tug-of-war and moustache competitions add a fun element to the programme.
The fairground also becomes a colourful marketplace where visitors can shop for handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, traditional products and souvenirs.
Day 4 – Pushkar Lake Rituals & Religious Activities
Pushkar is not only famous for its camel fair but also for its religious importance.
During the fair period, pilgrims gather around Pushkar Lake for prayers and holy rituals. Visitors can see devotees taking a sacred dip in the lake and participating in religious ceremonies at the ghats.
The spiritual atmosphere around Pushkar Lake offers a completely different side of the festival from the busy livestock fairground.
A visit to the Brahma Temple can also be included while exploring Pushkar. The temple is one of the city's major religious attractions.
Day 5 – Camel Races, Horse Activities & Desert Fun
Camel races and animal-related activities add excitement to the fair programme. Visitors gather to watch camels and horses taking part in different events.
The desert surroundings also provide opportunities for activities such as camel safaris, jeep safaris and other tourist attractions. The Pushkar area is known for combining the traditional fair atmosphere with modern visitor activities.
Photography enthusiasts can particularly enjoy the early morning and late afternoon light over the sand, camels and colourful fairground.
Day 6 – Shopping, Rajasthani Food & Closing Celebrations
As the fair approaches its conclusion, shopping and food become an important part of the visitor experience.
Local stalls offer colourful textiles, handicrafts, traditional jewellery, puppets and other Rajasthan souvenirs. Visitors can also enjoy local Rajasthani food and traditional dishes during the festive period.
The closing programme brings together cultural performances and celebrations, creating a lively final atmosphere at the fair.
What Can You See at the Pushkar Fair?
The Pushkar Fair Programme 2026 offers a wide variety of activities for visitors, including:
Camel and livestock trading
Decorated camel competitions
Camel races and parades
Rajasthani folk music
Kalbelia and Ghoomar performances
Turban tying competitions
Moustache competitions
Rural games
Pushkar Lake rituals
Local handicraft shopping
Rajasthani food
Camel safari
Jeep safari
Hot air balloon activities
Cultural celebrations
Best Time to Visit the Pushkar Fair
For travellers who want to see the livestock and camel activities, arriving during the early part of the fair can be useful. The later days focus more strongly on religious celebrations and the festive atmosphere around Pushkar Lake.
Early mornings are particularly suitable for photography because the light is softer and the fairground can have a more relaxed atmosphere. Late afternoon is another good period for photographs of camels, colourful clothing and the surrounding landscape.
Places to Visit During the Pushkar Fair
A Pushkar Fair trip can also include some of the town's major attractions. Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Savitri Temple, Rangji Temple and Varaha Temple are among the notable places to visit in and around Pushkar.
Travellers can combine the fair with sightseeing in Ajmer or continue their Rajasthan journey toward Jaipur, Jodhpur or other destinations.
How to Reach Pushkar
Pushkar is located around 14 km from Ajmer and is well connected with major destinations in Rajasthan. Ajmer is the nearest major railway connection, while Jaipur is the nearest major airport mentioned by the website's travel information. Taxis and other local transport options are available for reaching Pushkar from Ajmer.
Plan Your Pushkar Fair Tour
The Pushkar Fair Programme 2026 offers much more than a livestock market. It brings together Rajasthan's rural traditions, colourful cultural performances, religious activities, local shopping and exciting fairground events in one destination.
With the 2026 Pushkar Fair scheduled from 17 November to 24 November, travellers can plan their visit around the events they most want to see.
Whether your interest is camel photography, Rajasthani culture, religious traditions, local markets or the atmosphere of one of Rajasthan's most famous fairs, Pushkar provides a distinctive festival setting in November.
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