Our next to do tip in Pushkar is taking a selfie (with one) of the cows. Just because there are so many hanging around in the streets, and each of them has its own original looks and personality.. This makes them the perfect subject for a charming picture!
When we started to google, we came across this list of Indian cattle breeds: we found out that there are even over 50 different species(!), with a wholly or partly Indian origin.
Ones first associations with India is ofcourse its holy cows and the rule that you can’t touch or harm them. The cow even has its own ‘bovine-goddess’, Gou Mata or ‘the mother of all cows’. This goddess is a miraculous “cow of plenty” who provides her owner whatever he desires and is often portrayed as the mother of other cattle.
In Hinduism, all cows are seen and worshipped as the earthly embodiment of this Kamadhenu, cow goddess. That’s why she’s not worshipped as an independent deity with her own temple. She is honored by Hindus by the veneration of cows in general.
Just a few – patiently posing – of the many gorgeous cows in Pushkar
One of the restaurant owners told us that the reason that so many cows are roaming the streets of Pushkar is quite sad. Most of the time it’s because the old owner (farmer) couldn’t take care of the animal anymore and just sends it away. Because it’s looking for food, the cow most of the time ends up in the city.
In addition to the many, many cows, you will also find the more common street cats and dogs in and around Pushkar town. Just as handsome goats, and shy stray boars with their little ones, who start to run as soon as they notice you noticing them. And you can even run into a camel!
In Pushkar town you’ll find all kinds of animals
This is of course due to Pushkar’s location on the edge of the desert. The city is famous for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair, featuring a marketplace for cattle, horses and camels – the biggest in the world, according to some travel guides. A very popular event anyway, as it’s attracting nearly 200.000 people every year.
Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022, India
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