- Official Dates: 20th November to 28th November 2026
- Kartik Purnima Snan: 28th November 2026 (Full Moon)
- Camps Starting: ₹9,500/night with All Meals
- Transit Hub: Ajmer Junction (14 km) / Jaipur Airport (145 km)
What Makes Pushkar Mela an Unmissable Global Sensation
Nestled at the edge of the Thar Desert beside the sacred Pushkar Lake and the world’s only prominent Lord Brahma Temple, the ancient holy town of Pushkar erupts into an unbelievable carnival every November.
Pushkar Mela is a rare, intoxicating fusion of two worlds: on one hand, it is the world's grandest livestock and camel trading congregation where pastoral communities trade over 50,000 camels, Marwari horses, and cattle. On the other hand, it is an auspicious Hindu pilgrimage where lakhs of sadhus, royalty, and devotees gather on the ghats to take holy baths during the sacred Kartik month.
Official Pushkar Mela 2026 Schedule & Event Phases
To get the most out of your visit, plan according to the two distinct phases of the fair:
Cattle & Camel Trading
Nov 20 – Nov 22, 2026Over 50,000 camels and horses arrive from across the Thar Desert. Best time for authentic rural photography and trading portraits.
Folk Competitions & Camel Sports
Nov 23 – Nov 24, 2026Famous Gorbandh (Camel Decoration) pageant, Camel Dance contests, Matka Phod, Tug-of-War, and Longest Moustache contest.
Cultural Extravaganza & Harmony
Nov 25 – Nov 27, 2026Kalbelia and Ghoomar performances by master Rajasthani folk artists, Maha Aarti at Brahma Ghat, and international fusion concerts.
Maha Snan & Deepdaan Finale
Nov 28, 2026 (Kartik Purnima)Lakhs of pilgrims take sacred baths in holy Pushkar Lake under the full moon, lighting thousands of earthen lamps across 52 ghats.
Pushkar Fair Luxury Desert Camps & Glamping Tariffs
Because hotels in Pushkar town are quickly booked months in advance, staying in a luxury Swiss tent camp set against the sand dunes is the quintessential Pushkar experience. These camps provide 5-star amenities in the desert including running hot water, climate control, royal Rajasthani buffets, and private cultural performances.
Royal Heritage Swiss AC Camp
King-size bedding, attached private washroom with geyser, buffet Rajasthani meals, nightly Kalbelia dance by bonfire
Ultra-Luxury Dune Glamping Suite
Wooden deck, luxury handcrafted furnishings, private dining, dedicated butler, complimentary camel safari and sunset high tea
Traditional Standard AC Tent
Clean cozy tent, twin beds, attached washroom, breakfast & dinner buffet, proximity to cattle trading fields
Top Experiences: Hot Air Ballooning, Camel Safaris & Holy Ghats
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Float 1,500 feet above the desert at sunrise. Marvel at the sprawling tent city, the camel herds, and the Aravalli hills. Cost: ₹12,000 – ₹15,000 / person for a 60-minute ride.
Camel Cart Dune Safaris
Ride in colorfully decorated camel carts into the undulating Thar dunes during sunset. Witness folk musicians playing ravanhatha against the golden dusk.
Pushkar Lake Maha Aarti
Attend the evening Maha Aarti at Varaha Ghat and Brahma Ghat. Hundreds of bronze multi-tier brass lamps illuminate the sacred waters accompanied by conch shells.
Kartik Purnima Maha Snan
Join pilgrims for the sacred full moon dip that purifies lifetime karma. Explore the bustling colorful bazaars selling silver jewelry, rose water, and tie-dye bandhani.
Frequently Asked Questions (Pushkar Mela 2026)
What are the official dates for Pushkar Mela 2026?
Pushkar Mela 2026 is scheduled from November 20 to November 28, 2026. The initial days (Nov 20 - Nov 24) are centered around cattle trading, camel beauty contests, and rural sports, while the final days (Nov 25 - Nov 28) culminate in religious rituals and the grand Kartik Purnima holy dip.
What is the date for Kartik Purnima Holy Bath at Pushkar Lake?
The sacred Kartik Purnima Maha Snan falls on the final day of the festival, November 28, 2026. Pilgrims take holy dips across the 52 ghats of Pushkar Sarovar and offer deepdaan (floating oil lamps) accompanied by Vedic chanting.
How much does a luxury tent camp cost in Pushkar during the Fair?
During Pushkar Fair peak season, luxury Swiss AC tents pitched in the sand dunes range from ₹12,000 to ₹22,000 per night for a couple, including all meals, cultural folk entertainment, and desert camel cart transfers. Heritage suites and luxury glamping can reach ₹35,000 per night.
Is hot air ballooning available at Pushkar Mela 2026 and what is the cost?
Yes, international hot air ballooning flights take place at sunrise and sunset over the desert dunes and fairgrounds. Commercial flights cost between ₹12,000 and ₹15,000 per person for an unforgettable 45 to 60-minute aerial vista of 50,000+ camels and the sacred lake.
How to reach Pushkar from Delhi and Jaipur?
Pushkar is located 145 km from Jaipur International Airport (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours drive via NH48). The nearest railway station is Ajmer Junction (14 km), which connects to Delhi via Shatabdi and Vande Bharat Express in just 4.5 hours.