The Enchanting Oasis of Pushkar

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहां
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए
  [Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप सुनाइए।
  [Theek hoon. Aap sunaiye.]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमैं समझा नहीं
  [Main samjha nahi]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू दिखाइए
  [Kripya menu dikhaiye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [Main maans nahi khata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [Kripya main bhugtan karna chaahoon]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [Bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ
  [Main kho gaya hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूंगा...
  [Main khareedna chahunga...]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा हूँ
  [Main bas dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितना है?
  [Yeh kitna hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अब कितने बजे हैं?
  [Ab kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बज रहा है
  [Ek baj raha hai]
• Half past (10)दस बजे बीस मिनट बाद
  [Das baje bees minute baad]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पांच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?एक/यहाँ... कहाँ है?
  [Ek/Yahaan... kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikhha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (...के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (...ke liye)]

Pushkar is often associated with Hindu mythology. According to legend, the town was created when Lord Brahma, the god of creation, dropped a lotus flower to the earth. The flower landed in Pushkar, creating the Pushkar Lake. This lake is considered one of the most sacred lakes in India, and it is surrounded by numerous temples and ghats (steps leading to the water).

Pushkar has been mentioned in various ancient texts and inscriptions, indicating its historical importance. It served as a significant trade center during ancient times. The town's strategic location on the trade route contributed to its prosperity and prominence in the region.

One of the most famous cultural events in Pushkar is the Pushkar Fair, also known as Pushkar Camel Fair. This annual event, which takes place in November, is one of the world's largest livestock fairs. It attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims who come to witness the livestock trading, camel races, traditional music, dance performances, and other cultural activities.

Pushkar is home to several architectural marvels, including the Brahma Temple, which is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. The temple's distinctive red spire and the image of a swan (Brahma's vehicle) are notable features. Other significant temples include the Savitri Temple, which offers panoramic views of the town, and the Varaha Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his boar incarnation.

During the British colonial period, Pushkar retained its religious and cultural significance. The British recognized the town's importance and respected its sacred status. This era also saw an influx of European travelers and scholars who documented and studied the town's rich history and culture.

In contemporary times, Pushkar has evolved into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the globe. Despite modernization, the town has managed to preserve its traditional charm and spiritual essence. The vibrant markets, bustling with handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles, add to the town's allure.

Pushkar is located in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, India. The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, approximately 150 kilometers away. From Jaipur, you can take a taxi or a bus to Pushkar, which usually takes around 3 hours by road. Alternatively, you can take a train to Ajmer Railway Station, which is about 15 kilometers from Pushkar. From Ajmer, local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are available for the short drive to Pushkar.

Once in Pushkar, the town is small enough to explore on foot. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are popular and affordable ways to get around. For longer distances, taxis are available. Renting a scooter or a bicycle can be a convenient option for those who prefer more flexibility. Be aware that traffic can be chaotic, so always stay alert and follow local traffic rules.

The official currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR). While credit and debit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are available in Pushkar, but it's wise to withdraw a sufficient amount of cash beforehand, especially during festivals when ATMs may run out of money.

Pushkar is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, such as markets and festivals. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, scams and petty theft can occur. Stay vigilant and be cautious of unsolicited offers or overly friendly strangers.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance and 108 for medical emergencies. Pushkar has a local police station and several medical facilities. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste,' a respectful gesture involving a slight bow with hands pressed together. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Pushkar like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy traditional Rajasthani goods and handicrafts. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss the Pushkar Camel Fair if you're visiting in November, as it offers a unique blend of cultural and animal trading events. For a serene experience, take a walk around Pushkar Lake at sunrise or sunset.