Pushkar Mela 2025: Deputy CM Diya Kumari Dances with Tourists, Camel Trade Faces Uncertainty Amidst Grand Festivities

The world-renowned international Pushkar Mela commenced today (October 30, 2025) in Pushkar, Ajmer district, Rajasthan, while the atmosphere at this unique confluence of faith, culture, and trade reached its peak when Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister, Diya Kumari, was seen hand-in-hand with foreign women tourists and schoolgirls, dancing to traditional Rajasthani tunes. Her warm, spontaneous, and enthusiastic gesture resonated with everyone, filling the fairgrounds. With applause as people pulled out their phones to record the memorable sight.

Grand Inauguration and Deputy CM Diya Kumari's Heartwarming Participation

The Mela was formally inaugurated by Deputy CM Diya Kumari with a flag-hoisting ceremony amidst a light drizzle. Water Resources Minister Suresh Rawat, Ajmer Collector, SP, and numerous public representatives were present, while the national anthem marked a patriotic and festive start, followed by cultural performances. Diya Kumari's easy participation with foreign visitors not only showcased Rajasthan's vibrant traditions but also epitomized the spirit of international friendship and 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (Guest is God).

A Confluence of Culture, Hospitality, and International Friendship

During the inaugural ceremony, folk artists from Rajasthan and across the country presented a colorful array of cultural performances. The mesmerizing display of Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Chakri, and Matki dances, accompanied by the rhythms of dhol, nagaras, and flutes, captivated the audience, including foreign tourists, who were seen joining in the revelry. These performances served as a magnificent showcase of Rajasthan's rich heritage and. Artistic prowess, contributing to the vibrant and celebratory ambiance of the fair.

The Dual Reality of the Livestock Fair: Million-Dollar Beasts and Struggling Camels

Parallel to the cultural festivities, the Pushkar cattle fair presents a stark contrast in the livestock trade, while on one hand, Murrah buffaloes and magnificent horses are fetching bids in the millions, bringing significant profits to their owners. On the other hand, camels, often called the 'ship of the desert' and a symbol of Rajasthan, face an uncertain market with prices starting as low as ₹10,000. This disparity has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future of camel breeders, highlighting a significant challenge within the fair.

Stars of the Pushkar Fair: Balbir, Badal, and Nagina

This year's Pushkar cattle fair features several 'superstars' like Balbir, Badal, Nagina, and Shahzadi, each valued at over ₹1 crore. Balbir, a 35-month-old Murrah buffalo from Dungaram in Didwana, is the most expensive animal at the fair, priced at ₹1 crore. Weighing 800 kg and standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, Balbir is known for its high milk yield and robustness, while its upkeep costs ₹35,000 monthly, and it earns up to ₹80,000 per month from breeding. Meanwhile, Badal, a horse from Kekri, Ajmer, has become a social media sensation due. To its height and attractive appearance, reportedly receiving an offer for a Bollywood film. Shahzadi, a white mare, is winning hearts with her dance steps, valued at ₹51 lakh. Nagina, a mare from Punjab, arrived in Pushkar in her special. Air-conditioned vehicle (Horse Float) and is valued at over ₹1 crore.

The Uncertain Future of the 'Ship of the Desert' and Transport Hurdles

In stark contrast to the high-priced horses and buffaloes, camels face an uncertain market, while approximately 5,000 camels have come for trade at this year's Pushkar Mela, with prices ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹1 lakh. The previous Vasundhara Raje government had imposed a ban on their transport outside Rajasthan due to a declining camel population (around 2 lakh in the 2019 census), while although the current government has lifted this ban, stringent transport conditions continue to dampen the hopes of camel owners. According to Hanumant Singh, Secretary of the Lok Pashupalak Samiti, buyers still require an SDM's permission, a health certificate, and a declared purpose for transport to take camels out of the state. He also expressed concerns that some male camels might be taken for slaughter, urging the government to remain vigilant.

Smuggling Fears and Breeders' Anxieties

Amidst this uncertainty, a vehicle carrying 8 camels purchased from the Pushkar fair and en route to Firozpur was intercepted by cow vigilante groups in Behror on the national highway to Delhi, while the driver, Javed, was arrested on charges of animal cruelty, and the camels were seized. The Animal Husbandry Department clarified that despite the lifting of the transport ban, permits would only be issued after obtaining a health certificate from the relevant authority at the cattle fair and a statement detailing the purpose of taking the animal outside the state. Kishanji, a camel breeder from Chandawal village in Pali district, shared, "I sold my male camel, 'Moti,' who is 4 years old, for ₹35,000. This is a good price. But uncertainty still looms over the camel trade. If transport permits aren't easily granted, prices could fall again. " This situation presents a significant challenge for camel breeders, who are looking for policy clarity and support to preserve this traditional livestock.