Pushkare, a feeling never left

We reach Ajmer by train. Ajmer one of the most busiest and crowded railway stations in India. In front of the entrance and exit the roads are jam packed with traffic.  A very good human behavior experience will get there. Anyway we cross the road. 

We planned to a quick visit to Ajmer sharif Dargah about 15 minutes walk from railway station.   Road to Dargah is very narrow,  dargah by itself is very crowded and the area adjoining,  outside is also very crowded .

Ajmer dargah a very sacred  place with a divine experience, popular all over the world. Dargah Shareef in Ajmer is an experience of feeling that no words to express. Cameras are not allowed  but I pull out my mobile  and took some photographs.

After visit darah we decided to travel by bus to Pushkar. From  the Ajmir railway station to the bus stand is 2 km.  we feel this is the best way to get to Pushkar from Ajmer is by bus,  buses leave every twenty  minutes from both side of the bus stand and fare is around Rs.20 for express, distance about 12 to 15 kilometers which goes over the Aravali mountains., It takes about 30 min to reach. We  enjoy the  beautiful curving road through small mountain, scenic beauty of valley and a spectacular view of Ajmir surrounded by hills with its lake and on other side the beautiful land of Pushkar 

Pushkar is surrounded The 'Nag Pahar' (Snnake Mountain) on three sides.It is one of the oldest cities in India where you may find traditional Rajasthani culture. . it is a favored destination for thousands of tourists and devotees. Now, it has become a tourist hub, it offers beautiful landscapes, a vivid market . along with  village type lifestyle. We felt very comfortable in this little city.

Pushkar It is  the king of pilgrimage sites often called "Tirth Raj"., it was believed that  Lord Brahma, to be the creator of the universe, dropped a lotus to the ground leading creation of a lake. He then decided to name the place after the flower, and thus the area got the name Pushkar.

Pushkar Lake, a sacred Hindu site with 52 ghats and approximately 400 temples. there are series of steps leading to the lake from all side. Atmosphere around is very spiritual.

We performed some puja ceremony. I sit on the ghats and watch the activities around me. People take bath in the lake, do some puja,  feed holy cows, there are many pigeons  on the stairs  and flying over the lake and people feeding them . Everything is peaceful and calm.

Pushkar is a popular attraction among foreigner tourists. Brahma Ghat is The most famous among  many others. It is now a hub for foreign tourists who come to the city in search of moksha and peace and know about Hinduism

Thus the town has always been welcoming towards foreigners. The charming culture of Pushkar is enough to attract people from all around the world. But there is something more about this town, I think it is the comfort that foreigners feel here.

Pushkar is believed to be the only place in this world where one can find the Brahma Temple. Now besides that there are also few Brahma Temples in India.  The temple  is built  on height of about 12 feet  approached through marble steps leading to an entrance gate archway. This temple is  oldest one which is associated with significant mythological importance. 

apart from the Pushkar's Brahma temple, there are several other temples too. We visited Rangji Temple, built in a beautiful south Indian Dravidian architecture combining with Rajasthani styles

Pushkar is very pure vegetarian holy city. There is no alcohol, meat and eggs available but here we find many delicious vegetarian small restaurants and street food stalls on every corner of street. people come with carts and set up street side stalls.  Most of the items are like satisfy us with variety of  taste.most of the street food dishes are simple served in a pieces of newspaper

we have a special love for street food because of its deliciousness and varieties. It is quick in serving can see how it is made with skills. Street food always brings a satisfaction due to the value of money also. My wife and I feel that a really chilled out spot to have some tasty food, spend some quality time together forgetting about our hectic schedules.

We tried tested recipe Malpua Rs 35 a plate(2 pieces) served with Rabdi, It is quiet heavy for stomach. Here Malpua  is the most famous but several other famous dishes are Jalebi, Kachori, Poori Aloo, Poha, Lassi and the main items are Dal Bati Churma, Rajasthani Thali. Pizza, Pasta are also available at many street side restaurants.

Pushkar is known to be the best place to shop and with reasonable price. Here we find shops selling  Rajasthani  Traditional clothes, cushion covers, showpieces, handicrafts, shoes, etc

The street of Pushkar are windy and narrow, there is no traffic,  walk around the street  which gives us opportunity to feel the spirituality, traditions, customs, culture and life of India. We find everything is very relaxed here so it is also a hot spot for foreigners . 

Pushkar is  most famous places where foreigners use bike on rent for exploring the surrounding regions and very much interested to .know about their colorful traditions, history, people, culture, monuments, music and they know it is all easily accessible while planning for a bike riding only.

We meet many new and interesting people over there, it also gives us a opportunity to chat with  local people  and find out more about the dishes and traditions behind them. It is one of the happiest times of the day without even spending much money. Most importantly, these memories we never forget.

Durga Charan Mishra 

dcmishradc@gmail.com