Pushkar, Sacred temple city in Ajmer district, India
Pushkar is a temple town in Rajasthan within Ajmer district, built around a small lake in the Aravali range. The settlement spreads across gentle slopes and is surrounded by rocky hills that open onto dry pastures and sparse vegetation.
The settlement began thousands of years ago along a trade route between coastal regions and the interior. Many shrines and lakeside steps were built over successive centuries and repeatedly restored after floods or periods of decline.
The town name comes from Sanskrit and means blue lotus, referring to the sacred flowers that once grew in the lake. Visitors often see pilgrims dressed in white descending the steps to the bathing spots and setting small oil lamps afloat on the water.
Visitors should note that vegetarian food is standard throughout the town and no alcohol is permitted. Most bathing areas around the water are freely accessible, but women and men often use separate sections for ritual washing.
A large camel market takes place annually and draws traders from several states who display and sell their animals. During those days the town turns into an open camp with makeshift pens and sandy grounds for competitions.
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