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We travelled to Pushkar via Ajmer and over Snake Mountain. Site of the world's only temple to the Hindu god of creation Brahma, Pushkar is often called "Tirth Raj," the King (Raj) of pilgrim centers. No pilgrimage of Hindu places is considered complete until the pilgrim bathes in sacred waters of Pushkar Lake; the city is so sacred that no meat, alcohol or eggs are allowed within the city. (Luckily we were on the outskirts on the site of the old fort so we had a steady supply of Kingfisher beer)
Pushkar is also known for a different reason: the annual Pushkar Fair, it is the world's largest camel fair, complete with both livestock and craft markets, camel races, concerts and exhibitions. It is celebrated on the day of Kartik Purnima (night of the full moon - sometime in October or November). This is the day, according to legend, which the Hindu god Brahma sprung up the lake. The fair and livestock market now actually go for 8 days with the final day the night of the full moon.
We had an orientation walk around Pushkar, including the Lake and ghats and also the the 14th century Brahama temple. In town we also went shopping. There were loads of jewellery and handicraft stalls. After a couple of hours of serious haggling and bartering we walked away with several choice purchases.
At 4.30 am the next day 4 people from our group of 15 climbed to the hilltop Savitri temple to watch the sunrise over this holy place. You were meant to get a chai up there but when we arrived the cafe was not open yet! While waiting for it to open we decided to have some digestives. Not a good idea with hungry monkeys around. Apparently they recognise the wrappers and as soon as they saw ours that was it! Snatch and grab - no more biscuits for us.
That evening we jumped on a camel and headed out for our sunset camel ride in the desert. We ended up at another family run hotel for dinner and we enjoyed our first Bollywood film of the trip. Dostana if you ever get the chance. Very long but very enjoyable.
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Gaelle Cheeky monkeys!! Looks like that was another amazing moment: my mind is full of images after reading this, I cannot wait to see the pics when you guys will be back!