The Pushkar Fair 2026 runs for eight days, from Tuesday, 17 November to Tuesday, 24 November 2026. Here is the day-by-day programme, with notes on what each day is best for, so you can choose the right days for your trip.
Note: the official cultural programme is announced by Rajasthan Tourism and the district administration, and individual events can move between days. Check locally once you arrive.
Schedule at a glance
| Day | Date | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tue, 17 Nov | Grand opening, livestock trading begins |
| Day 2 | Wed, 18 Nov | Camel decoration and livestock show |
| Day 3 | Thu, 19 Nov | Folk games and moustache contest |
| Day 4 | Fri, 20 Nov | Matka race and tug of war |
| Day 5 | Sat, 21 Nov | Hot air balloons and bridal contest |
| Day 6 | Sun, 22 Nov | Camel race and handicraft fair |
| Day 7 | Mon, 23 Nov | Deepdaan and bhajan sandhya |
| Day 8 | Tue, 24 Nov | Kartik Purnima snan and closing ceremony |
Phase 1: camel and livestock trading (17–20 November)
Day 1 – Tuesday, 17 November: grand opening
Herders arrive from across the Thar desert with camels, Marwari horses and cattle, and tents go up on the dunes. The opening ceremony usually includes flag hoisting, a shehnai recital and a run from Pushkar Lake to the Mela Ground. Best for: seeing the fair come to life and early-morning camp photography.
Day 2 – Wednesday, 18 November: camel decoration
The camel decoration competition shows off patterned fur cutting, mirror-work, bells and colourful ornaments. Trading continues on the dunes all day. Best for: close-ups of decorated camels.
Day 3 – Thursday, 19 November: folk games
Fun competitions at the Mela Stadium, including Rajasthani turban tying (visitors can often take part), the famous longest-moustache contest and musical chairs on camelback. Best for: families and first-time visitors.
Day 4 – Friday, 20 November: matka race and tug of war
Women race while balancing clay pots on their heads, followed by the popular tug of war between local and foreign visitors. In the evening, folk music around campfires on the dunes. Best for: a lively, local atmosphere.
Phase 2: competitions and Kartik Purnima (21–24 November)
Day 5 – Saturday, 21 November: hot air balloons
Early-morning hot air balloon flights rise over the camel camps and the Aravalli hills. In the afternoon, a bridal dress-up competition and Kalbelia dance performances. Best for: sunrise photography and balloon rides (book on site).
Day 6 – Sunday, 22 November: camel race and crafts
Racing camels and their riders compete on the desert track. At the craft village, artisans sell block prints, leather work, pottery and silver jewellery. Best for: action shots and shopping.
Day 7 – Monday, 23 November: Deepdaan
Thousands of diyas are lit along the 52 ghats of Pushkar Lake, followed by the Maha Aarti and devotional bhajans. Best for: the most beautiful evening of the fair. Arrive at the ghats early.
Day 8 – Tuesday, 24 November: Kartik Purnima
Before dawn, lakhs of pilgrims take the holy dip in Pushkar Lake on Kartik Purnima. Later in the day, prizes are given for the best livestock and competitions, and the fair closes with celebrations. Best for: pilgrims and the spiritual side of Pushkar. Expect the biggest crowds of the fair. Read our full Kartik Purnima 2026 guide.
Which days should you go?
- For camels and desert life: 17–20 November, when trading is at its peak and the dunes are busiest with herders.
- For competitions and balloons: 21–22 November.
- For rituals and lights: 23–24 November, for the Deepdaan and Kartik Purnima. These are the most crowded days.
- If you only have two days: pick one day from each phase, such as 19 and 23 November.
Plan your visit
Entry to the fair grounds and stadium events is free. Read how to reach Pushkar, get ready with our photography guide, and see the main Pushkar Fair 2026 page for stay and food tips. Reading in Hindi? See पुष्कर मेला 2026.