Pushkar

Bus to Pushkar GD, my new friend, took me to the Pushkar Fair. From Jaipur, an excursion right unto itself, we grabbed a bus. He cautioned me about how the bus would be crowded. He wasn’t kidding. We were buried in a throng of people, crammed between traders, pilgrims, and travelers.  Al headed for Pushkar’s fabled fair. Every pothole sent us lurching against each other as the bus screamed down the road. The entire city of Rajasthan seemed to be traveling with us, ready to see the expected celebration! The smell of fried food, incense, and dust whirling permeated the dense air. Every glance we exchanged with another passenger revealed an underlying thrill—a shared knowledge that we were all headed toward something remarkable. I fainted when we exited the crowded bus. Luckily, GD was there to catch me! Colors and Chaos It seemed as though I had entered another planet. Less of a market, Pushkar Fair was more of a real, breathing carnival—a mix of history, business, and celebration unlike anything I had ever seen. Camels decked out in elaborate tassels and mirrored saddles, their owners proudly parading them for trade. Musicians played soulful Rajasthani tunes, the wail of their instruments rising above the crowd, and vendors hawked everything from delicate silver jewelry to steaming plates of sweet, sticky jalebis. The town in the desert had transformed into a vibrant explosion of hues. GD and I roamed across the field, my senses overwhelmed but delighted. I saw wide-eyed tourists haggling for embroidered shawls, snake charmers guiding cobras into hypnotic loops, and turbaned traders immersed in negotiations over animals. An unplanned sport was underway in the middle of the fair: camel races, their long-legged riders jumping furiously as the audience applauded, dust billowing in golden clouds. Past the excitement of the market, Pushkar’s holy side showed itself. Hindu visitors swarmed over the edges of the famous Pushkar Lake at the ghats. Their prayers spoke in quiet respect as they sank into the hallowed waters, the sound mixing with the noisy intensity of the fair. Believed to have been formed by Lord Brahma, the lake shimmered in the afternoon sun, mirroring the anarchy and dedication to coexistence here in perfect harmony. Pushkar Fair was an immersive experience that blurred the boundaries between the ancient and the modern, the sacred and the chaotic. As we returned to Jaipur, I finally looked at the brilliant fairground again. In that instant, I realized this was one of those locations I would always carry with me—marked in memory like the smell of camels and incense in cold desert air! Photo of GD, Mr. Desert Man, and me!   Author and photo credit: Cristy Latest Post All Posts Blog An Unexpected Trip to Puttaparthi – A Spiritual Curiosity A Detour to Puttaparthi The Australian couple I met last night at Mr. Matthai’s house, Joe and Amy, make an… Almost Stranded in Bengaluru: An Unexpected Act of Kindness No Hotel Reservations I landed in Bengaluru at about 6 p.m. and had no hotel reservations for the night. As… Udaipur: The City of Lakes and Serenity Udaipur, The White City I arrived at Udaipur, the City of Lakes, from the golden deserts of Jaisalmer. The difference… When Plans Fall Apart: Embracing the Unknown in India My Unplanned Trip to India I had planned an ambitious trip to five countries with a coworker I barely knew.… Riding Through Time: A Camel Safari in Jaisalmer The Golden City Rajasthan is a land of contrasts, with each city uniquely expressing the Thar Desert’s vast and changing… Pushkar Fair: A Fever Dream of Colors and Chaos Bus to Pushkar GD, my new friend, took me to the Pushkar Fair. From Jaipur, an excursion right unto itself,… Varanasi at Dawn: A Journey Through Time With my film camera in hand, I strolled along the ghats in Varanasi at the break of dawn, capturing the… A Wet but Unforgettable Wagah Border Experience Long on our agenda was visiting the well-known Wagah Border, the crossing between India and Pakistan. We had much discussed… The Golden Temple: A Journey of Humanity and Humility Amritsar, the heart of Punjab, is a city steeped in history, faith, and an unshakable sense of devotion. When we… Facebook Instagram