Pushkar Mela 2026: Dates, Events, How to Reach & Travel Tips

Evening bazaar at the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan

Pushkar Mela 2026, the famous camel fair on the edge of the Thar desert in Rajasthan’s Ajmer district, will be held from 17 to 24 November 2026, according to Rajasthan Tourism’s fairs and festivals calendar and the Ministry of Tourism’s Incredible India portal. The livestock trading starts earlier, around 10 November, and the fair ends on Kartik Purnima, when pilgrims bathe in Pushkar Lake. Here is the day-by-day programme announced so far, the best days to go, how to get there and practical tips for a first visit.

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Pushkar Mela 2026 dates at a glance

Animal fair (informal start): from about 10 November 2026
Official fair and cultural programme: Tuesday, 17 November to Tuesday, 24 November 2026
Kartik Purnima holy dip: Tuesday, 24 November 2026
Entry: no ticket is needed for the fair grounds, per Incredible India

The timing ties the fair to the lunar calendar. It closes on Kartik Purnima, the same full moon on which Varanasi celebrates Dev Deepawali and Sikhs mark Guru Nanak Jayanti. If you are mapping out a longer November trip, our festival calendar for 2026-27 lists what else falls in the same weeks.

Day-by-day programme for 2026

The district administration and the tourism department have shared a draft schedule, reported by Dainik Bhaskar. Timings can still change, so treat this as a guide rather than a final list.

17 November (opening day): puja, flag hoisting and drums at 10 AM; a Mandana art competition; a ‘Chak De Rajasthan’ football match at 11 AM; deepdan and Maha Aarti at Pushkar Lake at 6 PM.
18 November: traditional rural games at 10 AM; camel decoration and camel dance at 11:30 AM.
19 November: kabaddi at 10 AM; horse dance at 11:30 AM.
20 November: a spiritual heritage walk at 9 AM starting from the gurdwara; a food and craft festival at Shilpgram from 4 PM.
21 November: turban-tying and tilak competitions at 10:30 AM; the moustache competition at 11 AM.
22 November: women’s matka race at 10:30 AM, plus musical chairs.
23 November: a ‘Lagaan’-style cricket match at 11 AM.
24 November (closing day): closing ceremony at 10:30 AM; Maha Aarti at 6 PM.

The same report says a camel-milk competition is under consideration. The government has also opened an official portal for allotting plots on the fair grounds to traders and vendors.

Which days should you visit?

The answer depends on what you want to see.

For camels and the trading fair

Go in the first part of the window, between about 10 and 18 November. This is when herders from across Rajasthan arrive with camels, horses and cattle, set up camp on the dunes and do most of their trading. The light at sunrise and sunset over the camel camps is what draws photographers, and the grounds are less crowded than in the final days.

For competitions and culture

The scheduled events between 17 and 23 November are the most fun for families: camel decoration, the moustache and turban contests, kabaddi and the cricket match. Incredible India also mentions puppet shows, matka tod and a bridal competition among the fair’s traditional attractions.

For the pilgrimage

The last two or three days are dominated by pilgrims who come for the Kartik Purnima bath. Pushkar Lake has dozens of ghats, and the town fills up as devotees arrive for the holy dip and a visit to the Brahma temple, which Incredible India describes as the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. Expect the heaviest crowds on 23 and 24 November.

What makes Pushkar special

Hindu tradition holds Pushkar Lake as sacred. Incredible India recounts the legend that on Kartik Purnima, the gods descend upon Pushkar to consecrate its waters, which is why the fair has always been linked to that full moon. What began as a gathering of villagers to trade livestock and honour the festival has grown into one of India’s best-known cultural events, with camels dressed in colourful cloth, bells and painted patterns at its heart.

It also sits naturally on a Rajasthan or western India itinerary. Gujarat’s Rann Utsav tent city is open over the same winter months, and our winter travel guide has advice on how far ahead to book trains and stays for peak-season destinations.

How to reach Pushkar

By train: Ajmer Junction is the nearest major railhead. Pushkar is a short drive away over the hills, with taxis, autos and local buses connecting the two.
By air: Kishangarh Airport is the closest airport, with a limited number of domestic flights. Jaipur International Airport, listed by Incredible India as the main airport for the fair, has far more connections and is a road trip of a few hours away.
By road: Rajasthan’s state buses and private coaches run to Ajmer and Pushkar from Jaipur, Delhi and other cities. Rajasthan Tourism’s how to get there page lists the main routes.

Where to stay

Rooms in Pushkar town and the tented camps near the fair grounds sell out early for fair week. Options range from simple guesthouses near the ghats to luxury camps; Incredible India mentions tented stays with butler service for those who want comfort. Book as soon as your dates are fixed, and expect rates to peak around Kartik Purnima.

Practical tips for a first visit

Dress in layers. November days are warm in the sun, but desert nights and early mornings turn cold.
Respect the town’s rules. Pushkar is a pilgrimage town; meat, eggs and alcohol are not openly served in the town, and you should remove footwear near the ghats.
Ask before photographing people. Herders and performers are used to cameras, but a quick request is courteous.
Beware of ‘priests’ at the ghats. Some people offer unsolicited flowers or puja and then ask for large donations. Decline politely if you are not interested.
Carry cash. Many smaller stalls accept UPI, but connectivity can be patchy on crowded days.
Book activities early. Hot air balloon rides and camel safaris, both mentioned by Incredible India, fill up during fair week.

Frequently asked questions

When is Pushkar Mela 2026?

The official Pushkar fair runs from 17 to 24 November 2026. The animal trading begins earlier, around 10 November.

Is there an entry fee for Pushkar Mela?

No. Incredible India lists no ticket for the fair. Specific activities such as balloon rides and camel safaris are paid.

What is the best day to visit Pushkar fair?

Visit between 10 and 18 November for the camel trading, 17 to 23 November for competitions and 24 November for the Kartik Purnima bath, which is the most crowded day.