Pushkar Mela 2003 Clocks 30 Per Cent Increase In International Tourists

ET&T Staff - Kolkata

The internationally famed camel and cattle fair of Pushkar had recorded a 30 per cent increase of international tourists and 25 per cent rise in national tourists. This increase was recorded by the official data source of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation.

Speaking about the festival and its success Rajeeva Swarup, commissioner-tourism, government of Rajasthan, said "We had made elaborate arrangements to cater to the significant increase in tourist arrivals both national and international. It has been a conscious effort on our part to initiate socio-cultural interactions at various levels amongst the domestic and international tourists. The 2003 week long festival included various competitive events such as the turban tying competitions, tug of war, soccer matches, milking the cow event or the Rajasthani bride competitions boasting of the 'Marwari Pehnawa'. The Rajasthani best dressed bride competition was a runaway hit with international tourists where foreigners were dressed up in traditional Rajasthani costumes by Indian designers, stylists and make-up artistes and judged for their make-up, looks and information of the state."

The winners of the competition were participants from the European region. The competition were judged by Gagan Ajit Singh, Arjuna award winner and Indian hockey player. The Pushkar Mela also had a number of sports event.