INTRODUCTION

Ajmer & Pushkar are two such cites of Rajasthan. Here the two cultural meet temples and mosques. Within a short distance of each other. The harmonious blend of Hindustan and Islam give this town a unique gives these towns a unique character.

The strategic position of this city has led to its long and turbulent history. Ajmer is connected to Delhi, Agra, Ahmadabad, Abu, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaipur by main highways and holds strategic access to Gujarat and Malwa (M.P). It was a key center of Chauhan Power along with the twin capital of Delhi, but after Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghori (1193), it had to pass through a chequered and violent history. Ajmer has remained throughout a great center of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Muslims, a feature that gives the city its character and lends it importance. Ajmer is true amalgam of rich Hindu and Islamic heritage. The sacred lake of Pushkar believed by Hindus to be a old as creation as the temple of Brahma has been a place of pilgrimage from time immemorial. The great Sufi Saint Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti of Persia was buried here and his Dargah is equally sacred for the followers of Islam as well as Hinduism. The Emperor Akbar made an annual visit to the shrine of the saint, sometimes of foot, as any ordinary pilgrim would.

PUSHKAR - The picturesque township and the sacred lake of lies 11 km. from Ajmer. Pushker is separated from Ajmer by the Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain). This beautiful lake surrounded by bathing ghats has its religious significance rooted in a myth. According to the Padma Purana, Lord Brahma was in search of a suitable place for a Vedic yajna (sacrifice). While contemplating, lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from three places. One of them was Pushkar, and Brahma decided to perform his yajna here.

A lively and gigantic fair is held every year on Kartik Pornima (full moon in October-November). About 2, 00,000 pilgrims and ascetics from far and near gather here to take a dip in the holy lake.

The fair is also the biggest camel market. Besides camels, horses and bullocks are sold here. The people in their colorful attires enhance the cheerful mood of the fair. Pushkar temples and also has the temples of Lord Brahma this is the only temple dedicated to Brahma. This somewhat somnolent town reverberates with hectic activity during the festivities. To cope with the large-scale attendance, extensive arrangements are made; Gaily costumed enthusiasts rubbing shoulders in the human ocean, hunting around for bargain, shopping engaged in parleys for striking deals in the camel market, savoring an endless month watering delicacies, enjoying the local and dance presentation contribute to enhance the color of the Rajasthan. A host of cultural programmed is staged to enthrall the audience.

The biggest draws of the events are the cattle auction and the camel race. Puppet shows are equally attractive and enjoyable.