Pushkar Mela (or Pushkar Fair) is an annual five-day camel and livestock fair, held in the town of Pushkar in the State of Rajasthan, India, where over 25,000 camels are traded each year. The fair has been going on for centuries and draws thousands of tourists, camels, livestock traders, locals and Hindu faithful who come to bathe in the sacred Pushkar Lake. The Pushkar Fair is a photographer’s paradise, offering so many photo opportunities. The most difficult thing about photographing this epic event, is sensory overload. With so much going on and so many possibilities, sometimes it tough, deciding what to shoot!
Here are some of my images from this year’s Mela. Enjoy.
Each morning we set out as a group at around 5:30 to capture images of the campfires and the men who huddle around them, warming up, smoking and drinking chai (tea). When a photographer shows up the groups around the campfires expand. It seems everyone wants to be in the picture.
Bob works on capturing a tight portrait
Ruti works to get a different perspective
Meet Moria, she’s a gypsy girl that I’ve known for 6 years now. I always try to get her for our annual “model shoot” at Pushkar Fair and this year was no exception. I was just stepping off a camel cart when she walked up and said Hello. Moria has just one dimple, dark piercing eyes, always dresses in her finest sari and knows how to pose; but don’t mess with her (or any of the gypsy girls) as they drive a hard bargain and take no pity on unsuspecting photographers who try to sneak a free photo. These girls mean business and posing for pictures at the Pushkar Fair has become a competitive cutthroat affair, with may gypsy girls vying for the attention of camera toting photographers, both professionals and amateurs. We hired Moria for 20 minutes right before sunset, and everyone in our group got some great shots. Moria’s sister Anita is also a fantastic model, but this year she wasn’t around….no worries; we’ll be back next year.
Some of our group, photographing Moria, as seen (faintly), though her yellow veil.
Wonderful! Count me in, next year please!!!
Hi Ursula, thanks so much for the comment. I just posted this, so you’re probably among the first to see it! This Pushkar trip fills almost instantly when we announce it, so if you are thinking of coming along next year, you might drop Jim an email right away, saying you want to reserve spot. Cheers, Karl
Amazing images.. LOVE the last one.
I’d love to come next year too!
Gorgeous photos 🙂
Wondering how “India-Tour-2012-1022.jpg” will come up in black and white.
hi Karl. These are lovely photos, yet again, from you. If you are ever passing by Melbourne (where I am currently taking a Masters degree), do send me a line and maybe we can have coffee or so. BTW, if you are ever on a path to Mindanao again, would you consider taking a peek at Mt. Hamiguitan (http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5487/)? it was recently submitted/nominated to UNESCO as a new world heritage site for the Philippines. Until we meet again – Cris