Photography

In India, photographs are best taken early in the morning and late in the afternoon. The midday sun tends to eliminate the shadows of objects cutting down on the depth to your shots.

Restrictions: Indians could be very touchy about what you photograph. To photograph places of military importance including railway stations, bridges, airports, military installations, tribal areas and sensitive border regions, you would require to seek permission from the authorities concerned. Some temples prohibit photography in the main hall and the inner sanctum. Usually such temples have prohibitory signboards on their premises. It is always prudent to ask if there are no such indications. Some temples, forts, palaces, tombs and monasteries levy a fee to bring a still or video camera into the premises. A few wild life sanctuaries levy a much higher fee.

People in India are ever willing to pose for complete strangers. In places where tradition and conservatism rule the society, care should be taken before training your lens on women.

Food and Drinks

Food and Drinks

Rajasthan offers you a wide range of Food Choices. Rajasthan offers you a large number of vegetarian & non-vegetarian meals. Larger & Medium cities offer a wide range of eatables, whereas in smaller cities you are left with a very few choices.

In Large & Medium Cities, you can find all kind of Indian as well as Western choices. In smaller cities, the western food may not be very good & up to your expectations & is always advisable to stick to the basic Indian Food in such cases.

Vegetarian Food is quite common in India & usually comprises Rice, Bread, Dhal (Pulses), Vegetables, Curd, Pickle & other add once. So many times it also include some sweets.

Non- vegetarian Indian Food is also very much popular & is easy to get even in smaller cities. However, it is advisable to ckeck the cleanliness of preparation.

Drinks

Tea & Coffee: It is one of the favorites of Indians across the country. Be it Railway Station, Airports, Small Restaurants, you will always find people having Tea & Coffee. Tea is relatively more popular in North whereas Coffee is more popular in South.

Water: Water is safe & chlorinated in large cities but it is always suggest to carry one bottle of mineral water with yourself. Mineral Water is normally safe to drink & is easily available throughout Pushkar.

Soft Drinks: There is also good number of options for Soft Drinks in Pushkar. Majors like Coke & Pepsi offer various brands & tastes.

Juices & Other Drinks: Popular juices like Apple & Orange juices are easily available & a safe alternate to normal water. Coconut Milk is also a popular drink in India.

Alcoholic Drinks: Alcohol is normally expensive in India. Indian Beers are also very popular as alcoholic drinks and normally being sold for Rs. 60 to RS 250 (US$ 1.5 to US$ 8) depending upon the Restaurant & its facilities. Indian imitations of popular brands are also available but it is advisable to stick to your brand.

Shopping in Pushkar

Pushkar, a small town in Rajasthan, is just 11 km far from the city of Ajmer. It is a land of various colours, different moods and an enigma visited by people from all over the world for various reasons. Pushkar is a holy place which is also famous for its Pushkar lake, plethora os temples and last but not the least various shopping articles known for their unique charm. Pushkar occupies an important place in Rajasthan as a source of souvenirs and visitors who visit this holy town definitely go the bazaars to purchase textiles, clothes with elaborate embroidery, ethnic jewellery which is a speciality of Rajasthan, alluring miniature paintings, leather goods, lovely brass utensils, mesmerising puppets and pottery. Pushkar is considered to be one of the most interesting places in Rajasthan to buy costume jewellery and embroidered clothes.

One can purchase various items like beads, brass utensils, lovely colourful bangles, leather goods, unique embroidered clothes, camel cover, and much more at the time of Pushkar Fair. Major shopping areas in Pushkar are Sarafa Bazar, Baza Bazar and Kedalganj bazaar.

Pushkar fair

Rajasthan is at its colorful best during its fairs and festivals.

One of the most popular and colorful fairs of the Thar desert is the Pushkar fair, which begins on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi & goes on for five days till Kartik Purnima. The time of the fair coincides with the bright half of the moon during the months of October-November. The lake at Pushkar is one of the most sacred in India.

Special Attractions

The picturesque lake of Pushkar is set in a valley just about 11 kilometers northwest of Ajmer, surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the fourth. Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair. Turbaned heads of men, and colorful veils and skirts of the women, bring alive the arid desertscape. The village women dress in their best colourful clothes and finery for the five-day mela.

Like Varanasi, Pushkar is one of the sacred places for the Hindus, with 400 temples of which the most important is dedicated to Lord Brahma - the creator of the universe. Fifty-two ghats bind the lake. During the days of the mela, the otherwise tranquil lake is engulfed with religious fervor. Thousands of devotees collect to take a dip, sadhus descend from the Himalayas and people pray for salvation to the sound of verses from the Holy Scriptures, which fill the air.

In the afternoons, people crowd the stadium where camels, horses, and cows are paraded and raced. Camels are bought and sold during the Pushkar fair.

On the roadside, stalls of all kinds are set up to sell a cornucopia of items. Almost every household is engaged in setting them up as the locals try to capitalize on the massive influx of people. It is impossible to drive around because of the large crowds. Either you hire a camel or you walk. In this aspect, it is truly a rural bazaar.

An interesting part of the Pushkar Fair is the mass trading of camels. Of course, cattle and other livestock are also traded, but it's camels that hold center stage at Pushkar. Camel-traders and villagers from miles away converge to Pushkar with their humped beasts. Over 25,000 camels (on the conservative side) are traded; making this world's largest camel fair.

Since Pushkar is a religious place alcohol and non-vegetarian food is prohibited.

Pushkar Fair - Rituals and Traditions

These five days are a period of relaxation and merry-making for the villagers, despite being the busiest for them, as this is one of the largest cattle fairs in the country। Animals, mainly camels, are brought from miles around. Trading is brisk as several thousand heads of cattle exchange hands. All the camels are cleaned, washed, adorned, some are interestingly shorn to form patterns, and special stalls are set up selling finery and jewelry for the camels. Camels at the Pushkar fair are decorated with great care. They wear jewelry of silver and beads. There are silver bells and bangles around their ankles that jingle-jangle when they walk. An interesting ritual is the piercing of a camel's nose. Races and competitions are organized. Camels lope across the sands sometimes throwing their riders on to the vast sands, amidst cheers and jeers from thousands of spectators. An interesting event is the camel beauty contest, where they are adorned and paraded. The camels preen before the crowds, enjoying every moment of the attention they get. It is believed that for five days every year, all the gods visit Pushkar and bless the devout. This accounts for the unbelievable number of devotees who flock to the lake to wash away their sins.

Pushkar Lake

The charming Pushkar Lake is a very beautiful tourist spot in Pushkar Rajasthan। Pushkar Lake in Rajasthan is a natural water body surrounded by hills and sand dunes and presents a perfect site for the annual religious celebrations. The famous cattle fair held in the month of October-November is held by the Pushkar Lake. Every year thousands of devotees throng the lake on the full moon day in the month of Kartik to take a holy dip in the lake. Pushkar fair held along the banks of Lake Pushkar, is well-known for its Camel trading and other attractive activities. Pushkar Lake is the eminent water body which has been successful in attracting tourists since long. Pushkar Lake in Rajasthan is also famous for its contribution in the local fairs and festivals. During the big local festivals the banks of the lake in Pushkar is adorned with earthen lamps, electric bulbs and so on. Pushkar Lake presents beautiful scenic view which matches the effervescence, vigor and brightness of traditional fairs and festivit The Pushkar lake and the Brahma temple are the major attractions here.

The sacred Pushkar Lake is said to have been created by the falling of lotus from the hand of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe। It is believed to be as old as the creation. The lake is one of the most holy spots in the town, and it is said that a single dip in the waters of lake on Kartika Poornima is same as performing yagnas for several hundred years. This enigmatic lake has fifty-two bathing ghats, built around it. The water around each ghat is supposed to have special powers. The Naga Kund is considered to give fertility, Roop Tirth bestows beauty and charm, the water of Kapil Vyapi Kund is said to have powers to cure leprosy and a dip in the Mrikand Muni Kund gives the blessing of wisdom. The Pushkar lake is encompassed by hills on three sides and desert on the other side. It is saaid that the cave of Saint Agasthya was located on the snake mountain here. Itis also believed that Kalidasa, the great poet of the ancient times, chose this place as his locale for his Sanskrit drama, Shakuntalam.

Brahma Temple

Brahma Temple is the only temple that is dedicated to Lord Brahma in India। Located near the Lake at Pushkar in Rajasthan, Brahma Temple receives many pilgrims to its doorsteps every year. Built in the 14th century, Brahma Temple commemorates Lord Brahma, who is considered as the creator of this Universe according to the Hinduism. Lord Brahma is one amongst the trinity of Hindu Gods, the other being Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. For the Hindus, Brahma Temple is an important pilgrim place. Raised on a high platform, the temple lies in the Pushkar valley that is known for its scenic beauty.
Pushkar is regarded as a holy place by the Hindus, since all the Gods & Goddesses of Hindu pantheon observed a 'Yajna' here। Moreover, the Pushkar Lake near this temple is believed to have been appeared when a Lotus flower fell from the hands of Lord Brahma in this valley. According to the Hindu mythology, once Lord Brahma was cursed that he would be not worshipped frequently by the people. Due to the reason, this is the only known temple in the world, where Lord Brahma is worshipped.
Constructed entirely in marble, the Temple can be easily identified with its tall red spire। The temple is accessible by a flight of marble steps। An image of 'Hans' (Goose) can be traced on the entrance of the main shrine. One can also spot the silver turtle, which is embossed on the floor in front of the sanctorum. In the vicinity of the turtle, many a silver coins are placed on the floor. Even, the inner walls of the temple are studded with silver coins.

The main shrine houses the life-size image of Lord Brahma with four hands and four faces, facing the four basic directions. An image of Goddess Gayatri, who is known as the milk Goddess, can be seen near the idol of Lord Brahma. The walls of the temple are adorned by beautiful images of Peacock and Goddess Saraswati. From the temple, there is a silver door that leads down to a small cave. This small cave comprises a temple of Lord Shiva. During the time of Pushkar Fair, this temple is thronged by people in large numbers. At this point of time, Rajasthan Tourism arranges tents for the convenience of pilgrims and tourists. Brahma Temple gets a major attraction as it is the only temple in the world where Lord Brahma is worshipped. Pilgrims come to pay their homage and get blessings from the Lord.

Savitri Temple

Savitri Temple, situated on the top of the Ratnagiri Hill, is dedicated to Lord Brahma's first wife Savitri। Devotees have to climb a long flight of steps to reach the temple. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma had performed a Yagna along with Gayatri, a local milkmaid, in the absence of his wife Savitri. When Savitri heard about this, she flew into a rage and cursed Brahma that he would not be worshipped anywhere except in Pushkar. A beautiful statue of goddess Savitri is present inside the temple.

The Savitri (Brahma’s desolate wife) temple built in 1687 is perched atop the Ratnagiri hill. The Goddess is believed to have rested on the hill upon arrival and refused to join her husband who had married a local girl Gayatri.

Her temple is smack in front of the Brahma temple and is believed to serve as a lookout for the Goddess for her erring husband. The route to the temple is through the hills and takes around an hour. Further, the temple atop the hill and its surroundings provide a breathtaking view of the Pushkar Lake and the surrounding desert.

Varah Temple

The Varah Temple houses a figure of Lord Vishnu in the avatar of wild boar. The temples of Lord Brahma and Varah are considered uniformly significant. According to the mythology, the Varah Temple is a very important temple।

It is believed that Lord Vishnu came on the earth in the incarnation of Varah (Wild boar) to destroy the devil Hirnayaksh and set the land free from his violence। The Varah Temple of Pushkar was built in the 12th century and, and the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb is known to have ruined it। Aurangzeb was justifiably quite disappointed with the enormous statue of Varah, the god with the body of a man and the head of a wild boar. On the other hand, Raja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur thought another way, and in 1727 remodeled the Varah Temple which now has a vastly bedecked inner chamber where an idol of Varah is placed.

MAHADEVA TEMPLE

Mahadeva Temple in Pushkar is dedicated to Lord Mahadeva. The god is one of the Hindu Trinity that represents Creation, Sustenance and Destruction. According to the Hindu Puranas, Lord Mahadeva is the god of destruction.

There are several myths and legends centering round Lord Mahadeva. Ash-smeared and clad in tiger Skin, He holds a Trishul in his hand and a bull is his pet. According to the legends, the river Ganges has been created from His locks of hair.

The temple of Mahadeva in Pushkar was built in 19th century. The shrine houses a white marble image of lord Mahadeva with five faces. The idol is adorned with intricately designed ornaments.

The structure of the temple, embellished with carvings and sculptures also deserves a mention.

Old Rangji Temple

Old Rangji Temple Pushkar Rajasthan is a famous temple where ant tourists flock every year to pay their homage to the deities. Lord Rangji Temple speaks about Lord Rangji who is believed to be the incarnation of lord Vishnu. Old Rangji Temple was built in 1823 by Seth Puran Mal Ganeriwal of Hyderabad. Old Rangji Temple Pushkar is exclusive as here you can find the confluence of South Indian style (Dravid), Rajput style and Mughal style of architecture. The gracious Old Rangji Temple is very noticeable. It has a high rising Gopuram archetypal of southern India.

Apteshwar Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Apteshwar Temple in Pushkar is visited by numerous people all round the year. Constructed in the 12th Century, this temple has splendid architecture. Lord Shiva is considered to be the destroyer among the Hindu Trinity, whereas Lord Vishnu is the preserver and Lord Brahma is the creator. With its rich architecture, this Temple in Pushkar is among the 400 temples that bedeck the city। Reminding us of ancient India, the Apteshwar Temple has boldly stood the test of time, proving the transcendental essence of Indian spirituality. Believed to be the oldest and the most revered Indian God, Lord Shiva is said to preside this Sanctum Sanctorum and bless his devotees with an open heart.

Alternatively called Ashutosh, or one who can be pleased easily, Lord Shiva can be satisfied by placing 'Bel' leaves atop the Shiva Lingam. By doing so, one can get one's desires granted very easily, or so goes the saying. Therefore if you visit Apteshwar Temple in Rajasthan during Shiva Ratri, when Lord Shiva is ritually revered, you shall get to see thousands of devotees placing bel leaves over the Shiva Lingam, after drenching it with milk, dahi, ghee and honey. It is said that Lord Shiva grants a handsome groom to the one who worships him with respect and devotion. There are numerous other temples near Apteshwar Temple, like the Savitri Temple, Rangji Temple, Warah Temple and Brahma Temple. These temples are the soul of India and also indicate the rich heritage of India.

Ramavaikunth Temple

One of the largest temples in Pushkar is the Ramavaikunth Temple. An intricately designed Hindu Temple, constructed in the year 1920, it is one of the sacred temples in Pushkar in Rajasthan. Every year a number of devotees visit the Ramavaikunth Temple in Pushkar in order to offer their prayers.

One can find traces of South Indian architecture in the Ramavaikunth Temple in Pushkar. Built in the 20th century it is believed that artisans from South India were brought to give this shape to the temple in Pushkar. Located atop a hill one can get a panoramic view of the city and the Pushkar Lake on their tour to the Ramavaikunth Temple. The towering spires of Ramavaikunth Temple make it a beautiful sight for the tourists.

The architectural marvel of the Ramavaikunth Temple in Pushkar draws a number of tourists to this unique temple in Pushkar. From towering spires to the pagodas, the Ramavaikunth Temple has a different look quite unlike the other Hindu Temples in Pushkar. The Ramavaikunth Temple has intricately carved images of 361 different deities and is considered to be a sacred place for the Hindu pilgrims.