The Pushkar Fair (Pushkar Camel Fair) or locally Pushkar ka Mela is an annual five-day camel and livestock fair held in the town of Pushkar in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is one of the world’s largest camel fairs.
It’s hard to believe, but this seething mass is all just a sideshow. Kartik Purnima is when Hindu pilgrims come to bathe in Pushkar’s sacred waters. The religious event builds in tandem with the camel fair in a wild, magical crescendo of incense, chanting and processions to dousing day, the last night of the fair, when thousands of devotees wash away their sins and set candles afloat on the holy lake.
Over the years, its become a hot spot for photographers from across the world. At one time, the number of photographers seem more than the number of camels there.
Here are some tips to help you if you are going there ..
- Wake up early to get good light – The golden hours are the best time to head to the fair ground. Sunrise at Pushkar has an aura of its own. The varied mood of the morning skies and the golden glow of the rising sun behind the mountains make it a picture perfect.
2. Ask people to pose for you – the local artisans and villagers have now got used to seeing the photographers every year and have made it a way to get some extra bucks. Engage them in conversation, but some odd small things from them or get to tim them, they will pose for you.
3. Head to the mini desert – yes you heard that right, there is a small place where the camels enter the mela ground and has a track of sand ground. Any local will be quick to point you there. Head here to get to see camel traders with their the herds of camel, arrive at the fair
4. Click the locals in their colourful attire and their traditional habits – you will find them with different head gears and ornamentations.
5. The best shots are the candid shots, do look around and you will find many moments to preserve
6. Colours of Pushkar – Head out to the town, walk through the streets of Pushkar for a dab of different colour on the palette
ANIL VOHRA 