Decorated camels, folk dancers, puppet shows, balloons in the sky: the Pushkar Fair can be magical for children. It is also crowded, dusty and busy, so a little planning makes a big difference. Here is how to enjoy Pushkar Fair 2026 (17–24 November) with your family.
Best days to go with children
- Best: 18–21 November. There is plenty to see, such as camel decoration, folk games and hot air balloons, without the peak crowds.
- Good: 17 November, for the opening and the first camels arriving on the dunes.
- Think twice: 23–24 November. The Deepdaan and Kartik Purnima are beautiful, but these are the most crowded days, which can be hard with small children.
See what happens each day in the Pushkar Fair 2026 schedule.
Things kids will love
- Decorated camels: patterned fur, bells, pom-poms and mirror-work, best seen on camel decoration day.
- A short camel or camel-cart ride on the dunes. Agree the price and duration first, and hold younger children on your lap.
- Folk games at the stadium: the moustache contest, turban tying and musical chairs on camels always make children laugh.
- Hot air balloons rising over the dunes at sunrise. Watching from the ground is free.
- Folk music, puppet shows and dancers around the fair grounds.
- The fairground rides and stalls near the Mela Ground.
- The ropeway to Savitri Mata Temple for a view over the whole town.
Where to stay with a family
- Tent camps are an adventure for older children, but choose a comfortable camp with attached bathrooms and good reviews.
- Family rooms in Pushkar near the market make it easy to go back for a rest in the afternoon.
- Staying in Ajmer is often easier and cheaper for families, with more hotel choice and an easy 30-minute drive to the fair. Read how to reach Pushkar.
Whatever you choose, book early. Rooms for the fair fill up weeks in advance.
Food for children
Pushkar is a vegetarian town, and there is plenty that children enjoy: parathas, poha, sweet malpua, jalebi and a cool glass of lassi. Choose busy stalls with freshly cooked hot food, carry bottled water and some familiar snacks, and ask for less spice if needed.
Safety in the crowds
- Name tags: put a card with your phone number in each child’s pocket, or write it on their arm.
- Agree a meeting point with older children, such as a temple, a big stall or a landmark at the Mela Ground, in case you get separated.
- Bright clothes make children easier to spot in a crowd.
- Use a carrier rather than a stroller for babies and toddlers, as the sand and crowds make strollers hard to push.
- Keep a safe distance from animals. Camels and horses can kick or bite, so ask the owner before touching one, and wash hands afterwards.
- Be careful at the ghats. Steps can be slippery and the water is deep in places, so hold children’s hands near the lake.
- Look for the police and help desks at the fair, and in an emergency call 112.
Tips to keep everyone happy
- Go early, rest at midday. Mornings are cooler and calmer. Head back for lunch and a nap, and return for the sunset.
- Keep visits short. Two or three hours at a time is plenty for younger children.
- Protect from dust and sun with hats, sunglasses, scarves and sunscreen.
- Bring warm layers for cold mornings and evenings.
- Let them choose a souvenir, such as a toy camel, puppet or bangles from the market.
Family packing list
- Name and phone cards for each child
- Baby carrier for little ones
- Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and scarves for the dust
- Warm jackets for mornings and nights
- Water bottles, snacks and wet wipes
- Hand sanitiser and basic medicines
- Comfortable shoes and easy slip-on sandals for temples and ghats
- A power bank and some cash in small notes
Add a day in Ajmer
Ajmer is only 30 minutes away and has plenty for families: boating and sunset walks at Ana Sagar Lake, the gardens of Daulat Bagh, the golden hall of Nasiyan Jain Temple, and Birla City Water Park. Before you go, read our Pushkar Fair travel tips for first-timers.