Pushkar: The famous camel fair in the desert town of Pushkar has once again brought together traders, herders, pilgrims and tourists from across India and abroad. The weeklong event, held this year from October 30 to November 5, remains one of India’s most unique cultural gatherings, where tradition meets tourism on a grand scale.

Thousands of visitors have flocked to Pushkar to see the spectacle of camels, horses and other livestock decorated with colorful beads, tassels and ornaments. Traders from Rajasthan and neighboring states arrived early to buy and sell animals, while local artists performed folk music, dance and camel decoration contests that filled the desert air with energy and color.

For many, the fair is not just about business but also faith. Pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred Pushkar Lake and visit the Brahma Temple, believed to be one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. The town turns into a mix of spiritual devotion and desert festivity.

Over the years, however, the number of camels arriving at the fair has fallen. Older herders say that shrinking grazing lands, fewer people relying on camels for farming and transport, and younger generations moving to cities have affected the centuries-old tradition. This year’s fair saw about 300 camels and 75 horses, far fewer than in past decades.

To revive participation, the Rajasthan government recently lifted restrictions on camel transport across districts and introduced clearer trading rules. Authorities have also brought a 5 percent GST on horse sales. Despite these changes, the fair has adapted to new trends. Apart from camels, it now features mini cows, exotic hens, puppies and other animals, turning it into a broader cattle and livestock exhibition.

Tourists from around the world continue to be drawn by the sights of dancing camels, vibrant handicrafts and desert sunsets. Many see the fair as a living symbol of Rajasthan’s spirit colorful, resilient and deeply tied to its roots.

Local traders hope that government support and growing tourism will help preserve the cultural importance of the Pushkar Camel Fair for future generations. Even as modernity reshapes its face, the fair remains a celebration of community, faith and the enduring charm of the desert way of life.