Street Photography in Pushkar

Gau Ghat is one of the main ghats on Pushkar Lake, where pilgrims come down the steps to bathe and pray. During the fair, the opening Maha Aarti is held on the ghats, a ceremony of lamps that Annika of Midnight Blue Elephant followed with the crowds. Evening is the time, as lamps are lit and the sky colors. Shoot wide scenes of the lake and the steps, and the lamps being raised by priests. Photographing bathers is strictly prohibited, and shoes must come off before the steps. Keep your camera away from anyone in the water.

Varaha Ghat sits on the north shore, with white steps leading down to the water and temples behind. Cows wander the steps among the priests, and at sunset the light turns the lake gold. Annapurna Mellor recommends sweeping wide shots of the lake and town at sunset. Stand at the top of the steps with the water behind, and wait for a priest or a cow to walk into the frame. Expect offers of a blessing here, which can turn into a demand for money. Politely decline if you do not want one.

Pushkar is famous for its Brahma temple, one of very few in the world dedicated to him. Pilgrims queue at the entrance, and stalls outside sell flowers and offerings. Cameras and phones are usually not allowed inside, so work the approach: the crowds on the steps and the vendors in the lane. Morning is busiest with pilgrims. Stand across the lane and use the red spire and the gate as a background for people arriving. Leave shoes where you are told, and follow the temple's photography rules.

The main bazaar lane runs parallel to the lake, past the Old Rangji Temple, with shops selling jewelry and offerings. Tara Shupe found the shopkeepers warmer and less pushy than in Jaipur. Cows block the lane while pilgrims walk barefoot toward the ghats. Late afternoon light slants into the lane. Look for a patch of light and wait for a cow or a sadhu to step into it. The lane is narrow and crowded, so keep your lens short and your bag in front.

Savitri Mata Temple sits on a hill southwest of town, reached by a long flight of steps or a ropeway. During the fair, the camel traders camp on the dunes at the foot of this hill. Annapurna Mellor found dawn the best time for portraits there, with chai brewing on small stoves and herders feeding their camels. Many herders are happy to be photographed; some ask for small change or tobacco. At sunset, return for camel silhouettes against the dunes. Midnight Blue Elephant suggests going with a local guide, since the camps are a walk from town.

Pap Mochani is a small temple on a hill north of town, reached by a climb of steps. Annapurna Mellor recommends it as a viewpoint in the morning, with the town and lake spread out below. Go early, before the heat, when haze and smoke from cooking fires hang over the rooftops. Use a longer lens to compress the ghats and temples into layers. Nag Pahar, the higher hill to the west, gives an even bigger view but is a long climb. Watch out for monkeys on the steps.