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All you need to know about Pushkar Mela 2025

From camel dances to livestock competitions, here’s everything you need to know about the week-long celebrations at Pushkar Mela 2025

All about Pushkar Mela 2025 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Rajasthan is ready with its annual cattle fair in the desert town of Pushkar. The grand Pushkar Mela that commenced on October 30, 2025, will continue till November 5, welcoming traders, tourists, and devotees from across the country. The week-long celebration will encompass a wide range of activities, from cultural events and livestock trading to rural sports and spiritual rituals. Here’s all you need to know about it:

What to expect, in a nutshell

Thousands of animals — including camels, buffaloes, horses, and exotic breeds — gather for trade and display.
Fascinating activities like the camel dance, best livestock decoration, kabaddi matches, and the matka race bring the fairgrounds to life.
Buying, selling, and showcasing animals remain at the heart of the mela.

Essential information

Dates: October 30 – November 5, 2025
Timings: 5.00 AM – 10.00 PM
Location: Pushkar Mela Ground, Pushkar, Ajmer District, Rajasthan
Entry Fee: Free entry for all visitors (select experiences, such as hot air balloon rides, guided desert safaris, may be ticketed).

Experiences at the mela

Camel dance: Watch camels adorned in colourful gear sway in rhythm as their handlers perform choreographed routines.

Best livestock breed: From horses and mini-cows to rare hens, the breed competitions showcase the diversity of India’s livestock.

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Cultural extravaganza: Enjoy evenings under the desert sky filled with folk music, traditional dance, and stage performances.

Rural bazaar: Wander through bustling lanes, shop for local crafts and textiles, savour snacks like kachori and mirchi bada, and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Maha aarti at Pushkar Sarovar Ghat: At dusk, the lake glows with the light of diyas as chants echo through the crowd — an unforgettable spiritual experience.

Enjoy a gamut of fun activities at Pushkar Mela 2025 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Festivities

Running parallel to the animal trading and rituals, the fair also hosts a dynamic cultural programme and bustling rural market.

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Expect folk music, Kalbeliya dances, turban-tying and moustache competitions, and “Best of Rajasthan” stage shows. The bazaar offers textiles, handicrafts, silver jewellery, patchwork, and local vegetarian fare — a true taste of rural Rajasthan.

Nearby attractions

Beyond the colourful Pushkar Mela, visitors can explore several nearby attractions. The Brahma Temple, one of the world’s few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, is a must-visit. The Pushkar Lake offers soothing sunrise and sunset views. Adventure seekers can enjoy camel safaris in the Thar Desert. Nearby Ajmer Sharif Dargah, about 15 km away, draws pilgrims from all faiths. The Savitri Temple, perched atop a hill, offers a panoramic glimpse of Pushkar town below.

ALSO READ | From Rs 5,000 to Rs 90,000 — camel prices shoot up in Pushkar amid buzz over new rules, but hurdles remain for buyers

How to reach

By air: The nearest airport is Kishangarh Airport, about 18 km away.

By train: Pushkar Railway Station connects the town to nearby cities.

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By road: Ajmer, 15 km away, is well-connected by highways, with regular taxis and buses to Pushkar.

Tips for travellers

Arrive early and book accommodation in Pushkar or nearby towns well in advance — rooms fill up fast during the fair.
Dress modestly, especially if visiting religious sites; remove shoes at the ghats when attending the Aarti.
Keep your schedule flexible: trading happens early, cultural shows take place in the evening. Some events may run late.