The grand inauguration of the Pushkar Fair 2024 took place on Saturday with a traditional flag hoisting ceremony. Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat, Municipal Council Chairman Kamal Pathak, District Collector Lok Bandhu, and Superintendent of Police Vandita Rana officially began the festivities by hoisting the flag at the fairgrounds.

Sub-Divisional Officer and Fair Magistrate Gaurav Kumar Mittal shared that the ceremony started with traditional prayers, led by Priest Kailashnath Dadheech, assisted by Kuldeep Dadheech and Prabhulal Dadheech. Following the flag hoisting, renowned international drummer Nathulal Solanki and his team performed soulful Rajasthani folk beats, joined by Minister Rawat. Dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire, over 264 girls performed a mesmerizing group folk dance, captivating the audience.

An "Ushtra Rally," highlighting camel conservation and development, was flagged off by Minister Rawat, who also rode a camel in the rally, which traveled from the fairgrounds to a new exhibition site. Rajesh Bhat and his team performed the Kachhi Ghodi folk dance, while sand artist Ajay Rawat created camel-inspired artwork, celebrating the Pushkar Fair’s iconic identity.

Various cultural and sports events followed, including a Mandana competition in which teams from local Panchayat Committees, Rajeevika, the Department of Women and Child Development, and international guests participated. The team from Srinagar claimed first place, while Pisangan ICDS came in second, and Kishangarh Rural took third. French participants Amy and Blonchi received souvenirs for their Mandana artwork. An exciting "Chak De" football match between local and international teams saw the local team emerge victorious, winning 4-3.

Later, 51,000 oil lamps were offered at the Pushkar Lake, with a stunning display of rangoli and decorations on all ghats. An aarti and ceremonial Pushkar Abhishek also took place at the lake. Upcoming events on November 10 include traditional games like Langdi Tang, Satoliya, and Gilli Danda, along with a Camel Beauty Contest and Camel Dance. Aniruddh Verma will perform in the evening, and on November 11, local and international teams will participate in Kabaddi, followed by a Horse Dance Competition and inter-Panchayat rural sports.

To ensure smooth operations, administrative and police camps have been set up near the fairgrounds with ample security personnel for visitors' safety.