Pushkar Chaos: Camels, Sadhus, Snake Charmers, Lepers And Little Blue Boys Dressed As Lord Shiva

I entered the bizarre world of the Pushkar Fair: Camels, sadhu holy men, pilgrims, touts, tourists, snake charmers, lepers and little blue boys dressed as the Hindu god Lord Shiva. They were all there. The full moon of November brings a bit of insanity to the local atmosphere–fireworks, glitter, Rajasthani fashionistas–all side-by-side with the filth. But that’s India.



The novelty of the Pushkar Mela (or fair) never seems to wear off–this was my fifth visit in two decades. Each year the camel fair culminates on the final full moon day, Kartik Poornima. It’s a holy event, but one that seems to have become the capitalistic god-focus for the ever-growing onslaught of vendors from afar who are drawn to Pushkar’s sanctified lake this particular week . . . and to the money they can garner from selling their trinkets. Hotel rates can skyrocket as much as 500 percent during the even



Pushkar Chaos: Camels, Sadhus, Snake Charmers, Lepers And Little Blue Boys Dressed As Lord Shiva – Where To Go