Pushkar

Jagatpita Brahma Mandir is a Hindu temple situated at Pushkar, close to the sacred Pushkar Lake to which its legend has an indelible link. Although the present temple structure dates to the 14th century, the temple is believed to be 2000 years old. The temple is mainly built of marble with steps leading to the main shrine. There are three Puja-Aarati performed daily named Mangala Aarati, Sandhya Aarati and Ratri Shayan Aarati. The temple is governed by the Sanyasi (ascetic) sect priesthood. On Kartik Poornima, a festival dedicated to Brahma is held when large number of pilgrims visit the temple after bathing in the sacred lake.

Pushkar Lake is a sacred lake of the Hindus. The Hindu scriptures describe as it as 'Tirtha-Raj' – the king of pilgrimage sites related to a water-body and relate it to the mythology of the creator-god Brahma. Pushkar Lake is semi-circular in shape and about 8-10 meters deep and is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats, where pilgrims throng in large numbers to take a sacred bath. Each family member gives respects to the lake as it is considered sacred. Pushkar Lake is a holy lake which is there to converge for a holy dip in the sacred to wash away the sins of a lifetime.

Pushkar is world famous for its cattle fair normally held in October-November. It is a spectacle on an epic scale, attracting more than 11,000 camels, horses and cattle and visited by over 400,000 people over a period of around fourteen days. The town is jam-packed with tourists at this time. It is commonly known as the Camel fair, bringing with them several camels and cattle to the pilgrimage. The fair ground is in a celebratory mode and is packed with shops of souvenirs and eateries. Games and circus shows are also popular during the fair.  Villagers come and sell camels, horses, cattle and other livestock.