Tourists and Livestock Flock to Rajasthan as Pushkar Fair Kicks Off

The iconic Pushkar Fair, Rajasthan's premier annual livestock extravaganza, commenced on Wednesday amid a colourful convergence of tourists, camels, and horses, setting the stage for three weeks of trade, competitions, and cultural immersion until November 7. Held on the banks of Pushkar Lake in the arid heart of the Thar Desert, the fair transforms the sleepy pilgrimage town into a bustling hub, attracting over 500,000 visitors from across India and abroad. Long-haul camel caravans from remote villages and sleek Marwari horses from breeding farms dotted the landscape as traders erected temporary stalls under the golden October sun.

The event, rooted in Hindu mythology tied to Lord Brahma's sacred site, blends spiritual fervour with commerce; pilgrims take holy dips in the lake while savvy herders negotiate deals worth millions in rupees for prized breeds. This year's edition coincides with a surge in ecotourism, with Rajasthan's tourism board reporting a 20% uptick in international bookings post-pandemic, drawn by the fair's UNESCO-recognised intangible heritage status.

Health and regulatory measures underscore the fair's evolution toward modernity and safety. The animal husbandry department inaugurated a temporary office to oversee the influx of thousands of livestock, including camels, cows, buffaloes, and horses—the fair's traditional stars. Joint Director Dr Sunil Ghiya emphasised proactive safeguards: "We will set up checkpoints on routes being used by animals to come to the fair for livestock trade.

All livestock will be registered, checked by veterinary doctors, and tagged." With large gatherings posing risks of communicable diseases, round-the-clock veterinary teams will digitise records for key species, enabling traceability and boosting market transparency. This digital push, piloted last year, has already streamlined vaccinations and sales, reducing fraud in a trade often plagued by informal dealings.

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At the heart of the festivities are the eagerly anticipated animal competitions, where beasts vie for prizes in categories celebrating utility, beauty, and breed excellence. Highlights include the "best-dressed camel" parade, where Rajasthani artisans adorn humps with embroidered saddles and bells, drawing cheers from tourists and lucrative bids from exporters eyeing Middle Eastern markets.

Horses compete for top Marwari honours, prized for their curved ears and stamina, while cattle events spotlight the highest milk yields—cows fetching premiums for output exceeding 20 litres daily. A dedicated Gir cow category has gained traction since 2022, fuelled by global demand for A2 beta-casein milk, touted for digestive benefits and commanding 15-20% higher prices than conventional varieties. Winners receive cash prizes up to ₹50,000, trophies, and feed supplies, incentivising breeders amid India's push for self-reliant dairy production.

As evening approaches, the fair's rhythm quickens with folk dances, camel safaris, and artisan bazaars showcasing terracotta jewellery and block-printed textiles. Amid climate challenges like erratic monsoons affecting fodder supplies, organisers promote sustainable practices, including water conservation for the lake. For locals, the fair sustains economies in this drought-prone region, generating seasonal jobs and reinforcing cultural pride. As Rajasthan eyes tourism-led growth under its 2025-30 policy, Pushkar remains a timeless emblem of desert resilience and communal joy.

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