On
the edge of the Thar desert in Rajasthan, lies a little oasis - Pushkar.
Located just 11 kms from Ajmer, this tiny tranquil town situated on the
banks of the picturesque Pushkar Lake, is an important pilgrimage spot for
Hindus as it has the only Brahma temple in the country. The temple is
dedicated to the creator of the universe and is located near the holy lake,
which according to legend was created when Brahma dropped a lotus flower and
performed a yagna - a sacrificial ritual. Every year, pilgrims gather here
in the holy Hindu month of Kartika to pray and bathe in the holy waters of
the lake. The most important day is Kartika Poornima - full moon night.
The town is also famous for the Pushkar fair, a cattle fair held
here since centuries. Apart from cattle, animals like camels and horses are
also bought and sold.
