The small and beautiful town of Pushkar is set in a valley just about 14 km off Ajmer in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. Surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the other, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair which is globally famous and attracts thousands of visitors from all parts of the world. Many years ago I met a wandering ascetic on the shores of Pushkar Lake. He was on a world wide pilgrimage, he told me then. Years later I met him again, he had settled into Pushkar and rarely left the town.

"What happened to your pilgrimage Baba ji?" I asked him upon greeting him, reminding him of his intention to see the world.
He fixed me with his knowing gaze and responded, "The whole world comes to Pushkar, you only have to sit and wait."

He was right of course, Pushkar is the centre of the world to the locals all year round but during the annual Camel Fair it draws people from all over the world. Traders with cattle arrive from all neighboring states setting up camp in the fair grounds. The best time to take a wander around there is in the very early morning when the cooking fires are being lit and cattle are being prepared for sale. Although the fair is famous for the sale of camels, other cattle are bought at traded included the majestic Marwari horse.
The town becomes a centre of festivities as in the fairs of old. There are competitions for fancy camels, men compete to have the longest mustache, colorful tribal people ply their wares and the greeting "RAM RAM SAHIB" echoes around the valley. Indians recognise life as a journey and fairs are the opportunity for travelers along the road of life to meet and connect, its a time to make friends and share stories over camp fires and the only entry ticket you need to the hearts and minds of the people are the words "Ram Ram Sahib".