'Pushkar' fair to begin from November 14

Hot air balloons will be among other attractions in the annual Pushkar fair which will begin from November 14, officials said today.

"With an aim to attract more and more visitors with different kinds of activities, apart from traditional ones, we are offering a four-day International Hot Air Ballooning event in the Pushkar fair," Usha Sharma, principle secretary, tourism department, told a press conference here.

"We want to promote adventurous activities in the state hence decided to include the activity this time. About 15 ballooning teams, including eight from abroad, will participate in the event," Sharma said, adding, visitors will also be able to participate in the event.

Camel ride, wrestling competition, water-pot race for women, rural sports competition and cultural programmes will also be held at the fair.

The 8-day long fair will be held from November 14 to 21 at Pushkar, around 15 kms from Ajmer city.

According to the Hindu calendar, the Pushkar fair takes place in the month of Kartika, beginning on the 8th day of lunar calendar and continues till full moon.