Shri Pushkar Mela-2024, Flag Hoisting Marks the Inauguration of Pushkar Fair

Jaipur : The formal inauguration of Shri Pushkar Mela-2024 commenced on Saturday with a flag hoisting ceremony. The event took place at the fairground, where Water Resources Minister Mr. Suresh Singh Rawat, Municipal Council Chairman Mr. Kamal Pathak, District Collector Mr. Lok Bandhu, and Superintendent of Police Vandita Rana jointly hoisted the flag, signaling the beginning of the fair.

Sub-Divisional Officer and Fair Magistrate Mr. Gaurav Kumar Mittal explained that the inauguration was carried out with traditional rituals and prayer ceremonies. The ritual was overseen by Priest Kailashnath Dadheech, with the assistance of Mr. Kuldeep Dadheech and Mr. Prabhulal Dadheech. After the flag hoisting, international drummer Mr. Nathulal Solanki and his team performed melodious Rajasthani folk drum music. Minister Mr. Rawat also joined in playing the drums. During the event, more than 264 young girls dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire presented a captivating group dance to folk songs.

Mr. Mittal shared that an ‘Ushtra Rally’ was organized to raise awareness about the state animal, the camel, and conservation efforts for it. Water Resources Minister Mr. Suresh Singh Rawat flagged off the rally, and he also rode a camel. The rally began at the fairground and proceeded to the new fairground. Additionally, Rajesh Bhat’s team presented the Kachhi Ghodi folk dance, while sand artist Mr. Ajay Rawat created camel artwork symbolizing the Pushkar Mela.

Various cultural and sports events were also held at the fairground. In the Mandana art competition, teams from Panchayat Samiti, Rajeevika, Women and Child Development Department, and international guests participated. The team from Srinagar secured first place, Pisangan ICDS took second, and Kishangarh Rural ranked third. French participants, Amy and Blonchi, were awarded mementos for their Mandana art. A “Chak De” football match was also organized between local and foreign teams, each consisting of 16 players. The local team won 4-3.

At the Pushkar Lake, a deep daan (lamp donation) ceremony was held with 51,000 lamps. Beautiful rangoli designs adorned all the ghats, and a special aarti and Pushkar Abhishek ritual were performed at the lake. On Sunday, November 10, local and international guests will participate in traditional games like langdi tang, satoliya, and gilli danda. Camel decoration and dance competitions will also be held. In the evening, Anirudh Varma will perform at the fairground. On Monday, November 11, at 10:00 AM, a kabaddi match between local and international teams will take place, followed by a horse dance competition. An inter-panchayat rural sports competition will be held at 1:00 PM, and Anwar Khan will perform at 7:00 PM.

To ensure smooth operations, administrative and police camps have been set up near the fairground. A sufficient number of police personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of pilgrims and tourists. Special arrangements have been made by the administration at the fair area and lake for the completion of religious rituals.

Additional District Collector Mr. Gajendra Singh Rathore, Jyoti Kakwani, Joint Director of the Animal Husbandry Department Dr. Sunil Ghiya, along with other officials and dignitaries, were present on this occasion.