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Pushkar Fair 2012
A
festive & colourful cultural extravaganza....
The
Tranquil Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular fair ground for 12 days in the
month of Kartik. Trading of cattle, camel races and dazzling displays of bangles,
brassware, clothes, camel saddles and halters are the major attractions of this colourful
event. Devotees come in their thousands to take a ritual dip in the lake on the day of the
Kartik Purnima and to worship at the Brahma Temple. All around are exuberant
faces amid a sea of bright hues and shimmering ornaments. Among the
crowds are large numbers of turbaned Rajputs and their gilt – veiled
womenfolk. Members of other groups wear distinctive costumes.
On the night of the full moon, the air is alive with the enchanting
sounds of groups of women singing hymns and bards chanting of the
heroic past of the Rajasthani people. Then, in the chill hours
before dawn, a great spectacle begins. In the dark, crowds of people
went their way through the narrow lanes down to the bathing steps.
Through morning mists, the golden light of the rising sun
illuminates the fair’s crescendo: thousands upon thousands of devout
bathers moving to the water’s edge all around the lake. In the cold
air, they doff much of their heavy drapery, quickly bathe in the
chilly water, and dress again. With the completion of their baths in
the sacred waters, hopes of salvation are raised, and a deep sense
of community with pilgrims of the past and present is enhanced. |
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