Pushkar

Understand

Pushkar is a small holy town in the state of Rajasthan famous for the Pushkar Lake, various ghats and temples spread all around the lake.

Since being discovered by tourists the areas around the lake have filled with souvenir shops, cafes selling bhang lassis and hotels - you will find an interesting mix of pilgrims, Indian tourists and backpackers.

The word 'Pushkar' means lotus flower, which is said to be the seat of Brahma, one of the Hindu holy trinity, who is worshipped as the creator of this world. The legend has it that when the demon Vajra Nabha killed Brahma's children, Brahma in turn struck him with his weapon, a lotus flower. Vajra Nabha died from the impact, and the petals of the lotus fell at three places. One of them is Pushkar, where it gave birth to a lake. Brahma is supposed to have performed a sacrifice at this lake on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the Kartik month [which generally falls in November]), hallowing the place.

Though Brahma is considered to be the creator of the world in Hinduism, there are comparatively few temples dedicated to him, of which the one here in Pushkar is the most important. This is also considered as Adi Teerth or Teertharaj, meaning an ancient holy place or the most important of holy places, respectively.

Pushkar has slowly turned into a very commercial town with little of the previous magic remaining. Everyone seems out to scam, from beggars and gypsy people to Brahmin priests. Young useless men roam the market trying …

See

thumb|right|160px|Brahma Temple

Do

thumb|right|Pilgrims bathing in Pushkar Lake Bathe in Pushkar Lake as it is much cleaner than the Ganges, though it does not meet water quality standards. Parikarma is the circumnavigation of a religious object - in this case Lake Pushkar. Join other pilgrims. Watch the evening prayers at Varah Ghat, a mesmerizing ceremony involving bells and lamps. Watch the aarti ceremonies at the Brahma Temple. The Hare Krishna chanting will likely wake you up anyhow, so go watch! See listing above regarding the Brahma Temple.

Buy

Pushkar is known to be the best place to shop in Northern India. The prices are great, although the quality is subpar. You will find shops selling jewelry, clothes, cushion covers, showpieces, books, bags, handicrafts, shoes, etc.

Eat

All restaurants within the city limits may serve only vegetarian food.

If you are looking for something cheap, there are several stalls between the Ganesh temple and the lake selling local Dahl curry and samosa, vendors with carts sell fruit you can peel, and there are at least two thali places for ₹60.

Sleep

Many hotels/guesthouses around Pushkar Lake have rooftop restaurants with views of the lake.

Respect

The whole of town is considered to be sacred, so whatever rules generally apply to place of worship in India, apply to the whole of town. Smoking in public is prohibited by law though the rule is never enforced enthusiastically. Consumption of liquor or meat is not allowed in the city, therefore it is advised to respect the rule and not carry any liquor/ meat with you while travelling to Pushkar. It is advised that the men wear full length pants and t-shirt/ shirt and women wear full length clothes. Do not wear off-shoulder tops or shorts while roaming within the city. Take off your shoes at stairs if you are going near the lake. Be polite, but do not be pressured into making any offering at the ghats. It is not mandatory.

Stay safe

See also Stay_safe

The city is small and quiet safe, but as a tourist destination it attracts the usual nuisances.

Use common sense, don't take risks you wouldn't be comfortable taking at home. Don't accept drinks or drugs from unknown men. Beggars can pester tourists. Common tactics involve giving flowers, then demanding payment or demanding payment for prayers. Be firm as these people are not respecting the sacred city. Children begging should be ignored entirely; giving to beggars sets a bad example for other children in school or working. Ignore the many touts in the main street who approach you "just wanting to talk", "which country are you from", "hello friend". As many other touristy destinations with a long history, the relationship between locals and foreigners is not very sincere. Local businesses frequently change the MRP price of common goods to overcharge, sell expired goods to foreigners, etc. Petrol pump workers will try to distract you while starting to fill your motorcycle tank without resetting the counter from the previous customer.

Go next

Ajmer — city that is popular as a gateway to Pushkar and is connected by road with Jaipur and Delhi; also has an important Islamic pilgrimage site Delhi — India's capital and the home of the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches of government; site of the famous Red Fort and other important landmarks Jaipur — capital of Indian state of Rajasthan, home to many forts, temples, palaces, monuments and gardens Udaipur — famous for its lakes, palaces, forts, temples, gardens and other cultural attractions Ranthambore — a national park and tiger reserve in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan