Pushkar Fair 2026 is set for mid to late November in Rajasthan, with the holy Kartik Purnima dip on 24 November. Tourism listings put the fair at 17 to 24 November, while some travel sites say it runs a day longer. Planning now matters, because hotels and trains around Ajmer fill early.

Quick answer

  • Fair dates: about 17 to 24 November 2026, so confirm the exact span before you travel.
  • Main bathing day: Kartik Purnima, 24 November 2026.
  • Location: Pushkar, about 11 km north-west of Ajmer, Rajasthan.
  • Nearest rail hub: Ajmer. Nearest major airport: Jaipur, about 140 km away.
  • Pushkar is vegetarian only, and alcohol is banned in town.

Pushkar Fair 2026 dates and key days

The fair follows the Hindu calendar. According to a tourism listing, it begins on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi and runs for five days until Kartik Purnima. Meanwhile, a travel booking site gives a longer window of about 17 to 25 November, including a balloon festival around 21 to 24 November.

Because the sources differ by a day or so, treat the end date as approximate. Also, the one date that is firm is Kartik Purnima, which falls on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. That is when crowds peak at the lake.

What happens at the fair

Pushkar is best known as a camel and livestock fair. Next, traders bring animals from across Rajasthan, and there are afternoon races, parades and a decorated camel contest at the stadium. The town itself is a pilgrimage site, so the fair mixes trade with worship.

Devotees bathe at the lake, which is ringed by 52 ghats, as part of worship of Lord Brahma. Sadhus arrive from the Himalayas, and the lanes fill with music and chanting. Because crowds are heavy, walking is usually easier than driving once you are near the fairground.

How to reach Pushkar

Pushkar has no airport and no mainline station of its own. First, fly into Jaipur, which is about 140 to 145 km away and roughly three hours by road. Then take a bus or cab onward.

The more practical route for many is rail to Ajmer. From there, Pushkar is about 30 minutes by cab. Check train timings on the IRCTC app before you plan the rest of the trip. Then, if you are booking trains, our guide to train ticket cancellation charges explains what you lose if plans change.

Where to stay and when to go

A travel booking blog reports that hotel rates in fair week can run two to three times the normal price, and that premium tents sell out by mid-September. These figures are not official, so compare listings yourself. Still, the advice is sound: book early and keep your dates flexible.

The same blog suggests arriving before 20 November for calmer crowds, and avoiding 22 to 24 November if you dislike crowds. Staying at least three nights lets you see the dawn and dusk rituals that a day trip from Jaipur would miss.

Travel tips for Pushkar Fair 2026

Dress modestly near the ghats and temples. Carry some cash for small purchases. Also expect dust and cold mornings in November, so pack a light jacket.

If you like festival trips linked to Kartik Purnima, our guide to Dev Deepawali in Varanasi covers the same full moon in a very different setting. Dates and details for Pushkar are drawn from Tourism of India’s festival page.

FAQ

When is Pushkar Fair 2026?

Listings give about 17 to 24 November 2026, with Kartik Purnima on 24 November. Some sites extend it to 25 November, so confirm locally before booking.

Is non-vegetarian food allowed in Pushkar?

No. Also, Pushkar is a religious town where alcohol and non-vegetarian food are prohibited. Visitors who want non-vegetarian meals usually go to Ajmer.

What is the nearest airport to Pushkar?

Jaipur International Airport is the nearest major airport. Next, it is about 140 to 145 km away, or around three hours by road.