Pushkar Camel Fair is an annual event, held around the time of the Kartik Purnima full moon, which this year fell in early November. Thousands of nomads bring their horses and highly decorated camels from all over Rajasthan to one of the biggest animal markets in India, if not the world. Nothing really can prepare you for the spectacle and the craziness of the event, which was my favourite experience in India.

One early evening, we looked out onto the mela ground from the roof top of a make-shift cafe, scouted out by Dad. The scene was like something from the Bible. As far as the eye could see, there were camels wearing eye make-up, flowers and bells, horses drinking water and their nomad owners cooking over camp fires or lying beneath their carts for shelter. It was quite magical, and I felt like we’d gone back in time. (Ok, the camels probably didn’t wear mascara in the Bible, but it sets the scene).

As a tourist, it was almost compulsory for us to take a camel cart ride, a novel experience which we thoroughly enjoyed. Whilst we didn’t get to see much of the animal trading, we did witness a few people showing off their horses and making on the spot deals. What we did get to see more of was the Tourist Board’s program of bizarre events, which kicked-off with a camel decoration competition, followed by a moustache and turban tying contests, and ended with the Indian Foreign Bride parade. More on the latter tomorrow.

The fair is timed to coincide with an important Hindu pilgrimage to Pushkar, so there were many, many people in town coming to bathe in the sacred lake. The place was awash with women in colourful saris and at night the ghats (steps down to the lake where people bathe) were covered in flickering candles. Whilst Pushkar is an attractive and pleasant town with some good shopping at any time of year, it’s definitely worth visiting during the fair, if you can stand the crowds and pick-pockets in the narrow streets.

I had a great time – thanks Pushkar (and the very friendly staff at the Hotel Everest)