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PUSHKAR
- RAJASTHAN
The
idyllic township housing the sacred lake of Pushkar, lies
11 km from Ajmer. Pushkar is separated from Ajmer, by the
Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain). This beautiful lake surrounded
by bathing ghats, has its religious significance, rooted in
a myth. A lovely and gigantic fair is held every year, on
Kartik Poornima (full moon in Pushkar Fair October-November).
About 1,00,000 pilgrims gather here, to take a dip in the
holy lake. The fair is also the biggest camel market. Besides
camels, horses and bullocks are sold here. The colourfully
dressed people enhance the exuberant mood of the fair. Pushkar
abounds in temples, the special attraction being, the temple
of Lord Brahma, the only temple in India, dedicated to Brahma.
This somewhat somnolent town, reverberates with hectic activity
during the festivities. Extensive arrangements are made to
cope with the large attendance. A host of cultural programmes
are staged to enthrall the audience. The biggest draws of
the events, are the cattle auction and the camel race. Puppet
shows are the other major crowd - pullers.
What to See
Savitri Temple : This is the
temple dedicated to Lord Brahma's first wife. It is located
on the hill behind the Brahma temple, and one has to climb
a long series of steps to reach the destination. It gives
a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding sand dunes.
Man Mahal : Built by Raja Man Singh I of Amer, the
palace stands on the banks of the Pushkar, and is now known
as the RTDC Hotel Sarovar, the most convenient place for visitors
to stay.
How to get there
Air: Jaipur (146 km) is the nearest
airport.
Rail: Ajmer (11 km) is the nearest
railhead.
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