77BRENT LEWIN is an award-winning
photographer based in Bangkok, Thailand.
His work has been featured in National
Geographic, the New York Times and Time,
among others. More of his work can be viewed
on his website: http://www.brentlewin.com.WHEN
The Pushkar Came Fair usually takes place
towards the end of October/November. Visit
Rajasthan’s Tourism’s official site for exact
dates: http://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in
WHERE
Pushkar is nestled in the Aravalli Hills in the
northern Indian state of Rajasthan, which
borders Pakistan
HOW
By air, fly to Jaipur and then travel the 145
kilometres (2.5 hours) to Pushkar by taxi.
If travelling by bus, add another hour (buses
leave frequently). By train, book a ticket to
Ajmer and then travel the 16 kilometres
(40 minutes) to Pushkar by roadEXPERIENCE
PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIRFor an authentic Rajasthani experience
stay at one of the luxury tents at Camp
Bliss and enjoy nightly performances
of music, gypsy dancers and traditional
puppet shows.
http://www.pushkarcamelfair.comINSIDER’S TIP
With so much going on, the camel fair
merits more than just a day or two to
really appreciate all that it has to offer.
While the fair remains a festival
of homage to Rajasthan’s renowned
camels and their colourful caretakers,
the Rabari’s way of life is becoming
increasingly difficult as they lose
access to the grazing lands that
they have used for centuries on their
seasonal migrations.
Over the past decade, the one-
humped camel has experienced
an estimated 50-percent decline in
population. As a result, camel numbers
have been down in recent years at
the Pushkar Camel Fair, leading some
to question whether the Rabari’s
traditional way of life will survive
through future generations.
Back on the sand dunes, as the
week’s festivities are drawing to a
close, Hukuma Ram confesses: “It’s
hard work taking care of camels,
especially nowadays.”
As children of the Rabari have
increased contact with the modern
world, many opt to go to school in
cities, leaving the family tradition
behind them. Camel trading is now
at risk of fading away.
“Traders used to trade in a friendly
manner. We all knew each other and
were like a close knit family,” Ram
explains. “After coming here for 20
years, I see the changes. Now, the fair
feels more commercial and the sense
of community is lost. Camel numbers
are declining, but I’m still certain that
the tradition will live on. It has to.” agAravalli Hills
Ajmer JaipurINDIASOUTH aSia