Fairs and Festivals: A thread that connects diverse India By Reya Mehrotra Pushkar Mela Also called the Pushkar Camel Fair or Kartik Mela, the annual cultural and livestock fair is held in Pushkar, Rajasthan, and attracts lakhs of visitors. The town of Pushkar also houses the only Brahma temple in the world. It is believed that Pushkar lake was formed when the Lord dropped a lotus on the earth. Apart from being a pilgrimage to Pushkar lake, the festival is a trade affair for livestock. Camel, cattle and horse are traded in the fair. Puri Rath Yatra The Chariot festival of Puri, Odisha, is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and is the oldest rath yatra in the world which finds mentions even in Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, Kapila Samhita and Brahma Purana. The festival marks the annual visit of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhardra and Lord Balabhadra to Gundicha temple. The three deities' statues are removed from the main temple of Puri, Jagannath Temple, and carried on chariots by devotees. The three chariots are constructed newly every year with different woods. On their way back, the deities stop at the Mausi Maa temple for a while for an offering of Poda Pitha, said to be the Lord's favourite. The festival is likely to be held in July this year.