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11 km from Ajmer on
the edge of the desert lies the tiny tranquil town of
Pushkar along the bank of the picturesque
Pushkar Lake - an
important pilgrimage spot for the Hindus.
The 'Nag
Pahar' or the snake mountain forms a natural boundry between
Ajmer and Pushkar.
The Lake
has a mythological significance associated with it. According
to myth, Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable
place to perform a 'Yagna' (a fire sacrifice). While
contemplating , a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and
water sprouted from three places. One of them was Pushkar
where Lord Brahma performed his yagna.
Surrounded
by hills on three sides, Pushkar abounds in temples. Of these
the most famous is the Brahma temple - the only temple
dedicated to Lord Brahma in the country.
Although a
serene town, Pushkar bustles with life during the joyous
celebrations, held on Kartik Purnima.
Every year
thousands of devotees throng the lake around the full moon day
of Kartik Purnima in October - November to take a holy dip in
the lake. A huge and colourful cattle fair - the Pushkar Fair,
is also held during this time.
Dance,
music and colourful shops spring up during this fair. Also on
sale are mouth-watering traditional delicacies. Colourfully
attired village folk enhance the fun of the occasion.
A host of
cultural events against the backdrop of this pretty setting
are also organised including attractive puppet shows. Cattle
auction and camel races are also a part of the festivities. |