Pushkar Camel Fair 2026: Official Dates, Full Event Schedule & Daily Highlights

Planning your trip to Rajasthan's most iconic spectacle? The Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 officially commences on Tuesday, November 17, 2026 and runs through Tuesday, November 24, 2026. Over eight exhilarating days, the desert sand dunes of Pushkar turn into an open-air carnival of decorated camels, folk performers, musicians, hot air balloons, and thousands of devout pilgrims.

The Two Phases of Pushkar Camel Fair

To plan your journey effectively, it helps to understand that the Mela unfolds in two distinct halves:

• Phase 1: Cattle & Livestock Trading (November 17 – 20, 2026): This is when over 25,000 camels, Marwari horses, and indigenous cattle gather across the dunes. Herders pitch rustic desert tents, negotiate trades, and groom livestock. If your goal is authentic, raw desert lifestyle photography, this is the prime window.
• Phase 2: Cultural Competitions & Kartik Purnima (November 21 – 24, 2026): The Rajasthan Tourism Department takes center stage with folk dance troupes, international friendly matches, hot air balloon flights, and the culminating full-moon holy dip in Pushkar Lake.

Official Day-by-Day Event Schedule 2026

Day 1: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 – Grand Opening & Trading Begins

The fair begins early morning with the arrival of pastoralists from the Thar desert. The official opening ceremony features ceremonial flag hoisting, Shehnai recital, and the popular 'Harmony Marathon' from Pushkar Lake to the Mela Ground.

Day 2: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 – Camel Decoration & Livestock Pageantry

Witness the famed Gorband camel ornament competition, where camels display intricate fur shearing, mirrored pom-poms, and leather embroidery. Livestock health checks and trading continue across the dunes.

Day 3: Thursday, November 19, 2026 – Folk Games & Moustache Competition

High entertainment in the Mela Stadium! Highlights include the Rajasthani Turban Tying contest (foreign travelers are encouraged to compete), the Longest Moustache contest, and musical chair games on camelback.

Day 4: Friday, November 20, 2026 – Matka Race & Tug of War

One of the most energetic days featuring the women's Matka Race (balancing clay water pots while running) and the energetic Indian vs Foreign tourist Tug-of-War contest. Evening brings desert campfire folk melodies.

Day 5: Saturday, November 21, 2026 – Hot Air Balloon Festival & Bridal Contest

Dawn flights by international hot air balloon pilots offering aerial panoramic views of the sea of camels and Aravalli peaks. Afternoon showcases traditional bridal makeover competitions and classical Kalbelia dance.

Day 6: Sunday, November 22, 2026 – The Great Camel Race & Handicraft Expo

Jockeys and their racing camels thunder across the desert tracks in high-speed heats. The Shilpgram craft village hosts master artisans selling block prints, leather goods, blue pottery, and silver jewelry.

Day 7: Monday, November 23, 2026 – Deepdaan & Sacred Bhajan Sandhya

As Kartik Ekadashi approaches, thousands of brass lamps are lit across the 52 ghats of Pushkar Lake. Chants, temple bells, and floating diyas illuminate the sacred waters during the evening Maha Aarti.

Day 8: Tuesday, November 24, 2026 – Kartik Purnima Holy Dip & Closing Finale

The grand spiritual culmination! At dawn, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims take a purifying holy dip in Pushkar Lake under the Kartik Purnima full moon. Prize distribution ceremonies honor winning livestock, followed by a firework extravaganza.

Practical Tips for Attending

Entry to the general Pushkar Fair grounds and stadium competitions is completely free. Special ticketed VIP grandstands and hot air balloon rides can be reserved on-site. Dress in layers, wear comfortable walking shoes for loose sand, and ensure you have reliable lodging reserved outside the crowded town center.

Plan Your Stay with Kesar Hills

After immersing yourself in the dust and excitement of the mela ground, escape to Kesar Hills Resort. Enjoy peaceful mountain views, air-conditioned luxury rooms, swimming pool relaxation, 24/7 dining, and private chauffeur transfers to the fairgrounds.