One hour in Pushkar

From Wikitravel and Wikipedia:

“Pushkar is a holy town in the state of Rajasthan famous for the Pushkar lake, various ghats and temples spread all around the lake.

The word ‘Pushkar’ means blue lotus flower, which is said to be the seat of Brahma, one of the Hindu holy trinity, who is worshipped as the creator of this world. Pushkar is the only temple city for this important deity (Brahma) in the world. It is often called “Tirth Raj” - the king of pilgrimage sites - and has in recent years become a popular destination for foreign tourists.

Pushkar is one of the oldest existing cities of India. The date of its actual origin is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation.

Pushkar has many temples. Most of the temples are not very old because many temples were destroyed during Muslim conquests in the area. Subsequently, the destroyed temples were rebuilt.

Pushkar is also famous for its annual fair (Pushkar Camel Fair) held in November, and for camel safaris and shopping.”

This mural encompasses the essence of Pushkar well: orange priests, light blue from the facades of temples and buildings, and lots of cows. Maybe the guy with the ghettoblaster stands for the tourists?

Not surprising that the first thing we encountered, even before entering the city, was a temple complex. I think that the immense steps are supposed to lead to baths and a ghat (the rectangular spaces I believe are baths for ceremonies and the open area with some water I believe is supposed to be a waterfilled ghat). The ghat was as good as dry. In the small pool that was left were some waterbuffalo’s cooling of.

On the gallery of the temple man and dogs were sleeping side by side.

For a moment I thought the dog in the middle was injured, but he is just holding up his white leg;-).

There were lots of idols all around, like a bunch of Ganeshas….

…but also Durga, the goddess that sits on a tigre. Her festival is on at the moment, btw. Another nine day festival, leading to immersions.

Outside were some broken idols.

In town there is a lot of temple- and worship activity going on. Temples and priests are all over the place.

A very holy cow, with bandana and all;-)

Many buildings and temples are blue and beautifully decorated.

And here too are several hotels turned into palaces or palaces turned into hotels.

There are also shops inside blue buildings.

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And what a shopping you can do there!!!! It really is shop till you drop! Very touristic, both Indians and foreigners.

Cows, shopping and tourists…

Beaded necklaces.

Lots of bags. I found a bag that was on my wishlist since a while now, but I could not negotiate it down to my price, so we left it. Regret that….:-(. The lowest they would go was 1100 rps aka 17 euros. If anyone sees it for that price or lower, please bring it back for me and I will pay you.

Here is a picture of celebrities carrying a bag like that. Mind you, there are zillions of colors and models, but I am looking for a bag really similar to this one!!! Big model, ‘happy colors’, and some mirrors, coins, beads and tassels added on.

See here: Celebrities wearing boho bags. and here:

Julia Roberts carrying a boho bag. Source:http://grazia.ninemsn.com.au

And Nicole Ritchie carrying one.

We were in Pushkar around lunchtime and we had gotten thirsty…

…so we climbed up the narrowest and steepest possible stairs to the Laughing Buddha Cafe, to find ourselves in the smallest cafe imaginable, with the tiniest puppy and the smallest balcony ever. But with a great view over the streets and people;-).

Tourists and priest, side by side.

Indian tourists taking horse cart rides…

…and camelrides…

Some street photography:

Washing the feet, while the cows watch.

Cows next to oldtimer.