Camels And Cows And Sheep, Oh My!

Imagine it being hump day for a whole week.

Well, if you visit Pushkar, India from Nov. 20 through Nov. 28 it will be. People from all over India, indeed the world, come for the Pushkar Camel Fair which is held every year around the full moon during the Hindu lunar month.

It is one of India’s largest camel, horse and cattle fairs, where men trade their livestock. Locals claim it’s a century-old tradition. But it’s also become much more. Artisans sell their crafts, there’s music and various competitions, including camel races, who has the longest mustache and turban tying. Visitors can sign up to take part in some of them.

There’s also dancing and fortune telling. Even the camels are dressed up in colorful garb and participate in beauty contests.

The event draws more than 350,000 visitors and some 25,000 camels. Many of the visitors come to bathe in Pushkar Lake, believed to wash away one’s sins. The city is on the outskirts of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India and visitors can walk along the wind-swept sand dunes or go on a camel safari, riding either between the humps or in a little tent mounted atop.

Visit pushkarcattlefair.com