Weeklong Pushkar fair begins

The weeklong fair in Pushkar began today with a colourful display of Rajasthan's rural heritage.
The Rajasthan tourism department, which is organising the fair, has launched various schemes to attract a large number of domestic and international tourists to this annual event that has gained a worldwide recognition for being one of the largest cattle fairs of the country.

The state government has recognised over a dozen villages in the region where tourists will be taken to and allowed to stay there, as part of exclusive rural tour packages.Many modern events and games like para-sailing, rock climbing are also being organised in this rural fair for tourists, many of who come here to spend their vacation.

However, Pushkar primarily remains a pilgrim spot for devout Hindus, who flock in large numbers here to take a dip in the town's holy lake, especially during the Kartik purnima week.

Pushkar is the only place in the world where a temple is dedicated to the Hindu mythological God Brahma. According to the Hindu mythology (Padma Purana) Brahma was trying to find a place in earth where he could a special sacrifice when the lotus fell from his hand.

When the lotus touched the soil of Pushkar, water gushed out thereby forming a lake.The faithful turns out in large number here every year to take a holy dip in Pushkar's famous lake.

This time security has been tightened in the wake of recent blast in nearby Ajmer and a three-tier security arrangement is in place. Many security check posts have been erected and a large contingent of police and security personnel are keeping a close-eye there. Luggage scanners have been placed at various points leading to the fair and visitors are being frisked thoroughly.

The highlight of the fair is the mass camel trading followed by their race. During evening the State tourism department organises cultural shows that include songs, dance, performances of acrobatic skills and puppetry.

Visitors can savour large varieties of ethnic Rajasthani cuisines here as food courts have been erected at various places.This year around 3.5 lakh visitors are expected to throng the fair.

Source: ANI

Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.