November festivals: India’s Camel Fair

The most famous festival in Rajasthan, India is not so much concerned with camels as it is with a good excuse for a massive party. Drawing in 50,000 camels and 200,000 people, the fair is traditionally a time when Rajasthani farmers gather to buy and sell their camels, cattle and horses – most of the trading, however, is completed in the days leading up to the fair, as once the festival gets underway, the camels are used for riding visitors around the grounds, as well as participating in races and dance competitions.