Foreign tourists throng Pushkar fair; security reviewed

More than 6,000 foreign tourists have flocked to the famous annual Pushkar fair where security arrangements have been reviewed in view of a call threatening a bomb blast received recently.

Security arrangements were reviewed after an unidentified caller threatened bomb blast at the fair on Saturday. "Security at the fair is tight and foolproof. Efforts are on to identify the caller," Additional SP Ajmer Rural Satish Chandra said.

The religious part of the fair began today with holy dip in the sacred Pushkar sarovar by devotees followed by a spiritual walk. "6,250 foreign tourists and a large number of domestic tourists have come to the town to participate in the fair where cultural programmes, cattle exhibition, camel shows and games are being held," Tourism Department Officer of Ajmer, H L Sharma told PTI today.

The week-long fair which began on Friday last week, is attended by lakhs of visitors every year. 9,239 animals brought to Pushkar by their owners, have been registered by the district administration, Sharma said.

"Cattle herds are at the trading ground in the town. Traders come from various parts of the country," he said.

The Pushkar town has transformed into a large and colorful fair ground with rows of makeshift tents and stalls in streets selling various items including crafts. According to the Hindu chronology, the fair takes place in the month of Kartika beginning on 'ashtmi' -- 8th day of Lunar Calendar, and continues till full moon (Poornima).

Camel and cattle trading is at its peak during the first half while in the latter half, religious activities dominate the festival. Elaborate security arrangements have been made in the fair where Quick Response Team, Emergency Response Team, Rajasthan Armed Constabulary, dog squad, bomb disposal unit, plain cloth staff besides the other personnel have been deployed.