Quick answer: The Pushkar Fair 2026 runs from about 17 to 24 November 2026, reaching its spiritual climax on Kartik Purnima, Tuesday 24 November. The sacred bathing season builds from Prabodhini (Kartik) Ekadashi (~20 November) to the full moon, when pilgrims take the Kartik snan in Pushkar Lake beside one of India's only temples to Lord Brahma.

Once a year the little desert town of Pushkar in Rajasthan swells with tens of thousands of camels, cattle and horses, traders in bright turbans, pilgrims, folk performers and travellers from around the world. The Pushkar Mela is at once a great livestock fair and a profound act of faith — Rajasthan's most iconic festival.

Pushkar Fair 2026 dates

Detail

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Information

Cattle/cultural fair

approx. 17–24 November 2026

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Religious bathing

Kartik Ekadashi (~20 Nov) to Kartik Purnima (24 Nov)

Kartik Purnima (holy dip)

Tuesday, 24 November 2026

Location

Pushkar, Ajmer district, Rajasthan

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Exact fair dates are set by the local administration each year; treat the cultural-programme dates as indicative and confirm before travelling.

Why Pushkar is sacred

Pushkar is one of the few places in the world with a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator. Tradition says the Pushkar Lake sprang from a lotus (pushpa) that fell from Brahma's hand. Bathing in the lake during Kartik — especially on Kartik Purnima — is believed to cleanse sins and grant great merit, which is why the mela is timed to the full moon.

The great mela

  • Livestock trading: tens of thousands of camels, horses and cattle change hands — Asia's most famous camel fair, decorated animals and all.
  • Competitions & culture: camel races, the "longest moustache" and matka phod contests, folk music and dance, and a colourful hot-air balloon show in recent years.
  • Pilgrimage: at dawn on Kartik Purnima, the ghats fill with pilgrims taking the holy dip, followed by deepdaan (floating lamps) at dusk.

Tips for visiting

Book accommodation far in advance; the town and tent-cities fill up. The early mornings (for the animals and the ghats) and evenings (for aarti and lamps) are the most atmospheric. Dress modestly near the temples and ghats, and always ask before photographing pilgrims or traders.

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Pushkar's Brahma temple?

Temples to Brahma are extremely rare; the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir at Pushkar is the most famous. Combined with the sacred lake, it makes Pushkar one of Hinduism's important Kartik pilgrimage sites.

Is Pushkar Fair only about camels?

No. It is equally a religious gathering centred on the Kartik snan at Pushkar Lake, culminating on Kartik Purnima — the livestock fair and the pilgrimage happen side by side.

More Kartik pilgrimage & light festivals