Countries
Pushkar Camel Fair Cultural Programs
5
Nov
Date
5 Nov (Thursday)
Time
5–14 Nov
Venue
FGRX+MGJ Pushkar Fair Ground
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
📝 Useful Information
The Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 (Pushkar Mela) is scheduled to take place from 17 November to 24 November 2026 in Pushkar, Rajasthan. While its origins are in livestock trading, it has evolved into a massive cultural festival featuring world-famous folk performances and quirky traditional competitions.
The cultural program is divided into daytime activities at the Mela Ground and evening gala performances.
The fair concludes on the holy day of Kartik Purnima (the full moon), which is expected to be on 24 November 2026.
Would you like help finding accommodation options or a detailed itinerary for the 2026 fair?
Key Cultural Highlights
Spiritual & Religious Events
General Visitor Information
•Traditional Performances:
•Folk Music & Dance: Nightly shows featuring Kalbelia (gypsy dance), Ghoomar, and Chari dance.
•Puppet Shows: Traditional Rajasthani Kathputli performances that depict local folklore.
•Live Concerts: Evening stages often host well-known folk-fusion artists and local "Voice of Pushkar" talent rounds.
•Animal Competitions:
•Camel Dance & Decoration: Owners dress their camels in vibrant jewelry, beads, and textiles for beauty contests and synchronized dance displays.
•Horse Dance Contest: Skilled horses perform rhythmic movements to the beat of traditional drums.
•Fun & Quirky Contests:
•Longest Moustache Competition: A highly anticipated event where local men showcase exceptionally long, groomed facial hair.
•Turban Tying Contest: A competition where locals and foreigners compete to tie the traditional Rajasthani headgear correctly.
•Matka Phod & Bridal Contest: Challenges like breaking an earthen pot (Matka) and international tourists participating in Indian bridal dress competitions.
•Lagaan-style Cricket: Friendly matches often played between local teams and foreign tourists.
•Tug of War & Kabaddi: Traditional sports held at the Mela Ground throughout the week.
•Maha Aarti: Every evening at dusk, grand light ceremonies are held at the Pushkar Sarovar Ghats.
•Holy Dip: Thousands of pilgrims gather for a ritual bath in the sacred Pushkar Lake on the final day.
•Deepdaan: A ceremony where hundreds of oil lamps are set afloat on the lake under the full moon.
•Venue: Most cultural events happen at the Mela Ground, while religious rituals center around Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple.
•Shilpgram: A dedicated handicrafts bazaar where artisans sell silver jewelry, leather goods, and patchwork textiles.
•Timing: Activities typically run from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
•Pro Tip: The official cultural program is usually released by Rajasthan Tourism only a week or two before the fair begins. It is recommended to arrive during the last three days for the most intense cultural and spiritual experiences.
Updated at 18 Mar 2026