Thursday 22nd September 2005, saw the UK launch of Pushkar - Colours of the Indian Mystique. The 160-page vibrant and picturesque book that captures what is at the very heart of a small part of central Rajasthan, delivers a pure insight into this arid holy town of Lord Brahma as well as highlighting its magical aura around the famous Camel Fair under the enchanting full moon of Kartik during autumn.

The glittering evening was graced by a host of UK VIP's and celebrities including guest of honour HRH Rajmata Gayatri Devi, Kabir Bedi who also read an excerpt from the book, Nitin Ganatra, Saeed Jaffrey, and Rebecca Hazlewood to name but a few. The publisher of the book Tim Scollary hosted the evening along with author Tripti Pandey.

Speaking about the new book, Mrs Ushia Punia, the Minister of Tourism for the State Government of Rajasthan comments, 'It is a wonderful book that interprets the rustic feel of Pushkar and I hope it will tempt many visitors to Rajasthan. It is being launched in the UK at a perfect time in the holiday season and we issue an open invitation for all tourists to visit the beautiful palaces and colourful festivals of Pushkar and travel throughout the whole of Rajasthan.'

At Pushkars' India launch, in both Rajasthan and Mumbai, VIP guests included His Highness Gaj Singh as well as Aamir Khan, star of Oscar nominated blockbuster, Lagaan and The Rising.

The introduction to Pushkar is written by the Maharaja of Marwar-Jodhpur and Tripti Pandey herself, both describing their evident passion for Pushkar. Tripti relives her fond memories of Pushkar Fair with each visit as a child and adult, inspiring the contents of this book. Being born and brought up in Rajasthan has given Tripti an insider's perspective to the beauty and culture, which she delightfully shares with the world. She is a recognised name in the field of Culture and Tourism and currently resides in Jaipur where she publishes articles on international and Indian travels.

Tim Scollary, International publisher of the book and Australian born entrepreneur, comments on his personal love for Rajasthan, 'I invite you to visit Rajasthan, to visit the great Mehrangarh fort, enjoy the splendour of the Rambagh Palace or the views from Shiv Niwas across Lake Pichola, as you experience Rajasthan enjoy the spirit, the culture and the people - a trip to remember" His previous publications have included Tiger Forest, a visual study of Ranthambhore National Park and he considers that each book sold allows one more person to appreciate India.

While Pushkar is a heaven for the religiously inclined, Pushkar Fair is an important cultural and commercial affair to the local Indian community. The Rajasthan tourist office are currently promoting the Pushkar Fair as an International attraction by adding Rajasthan dance programs and various events to tempt both the Indian and foreign visitor. Each year, up to 200,000 locals and tourists flock to Pushkar for this, bringing with them some 50,000 camels and cattle for several days of pilgrimage, horse dealing, camel racing and colourful festivities.

Tripti's commentary guides you through the pages of rustic temples, beautiful faces and crimson skies. Every year thousands of devotees throng the lake around the full moon day of Kartik and take a holy dip in the lake. Her photographs capture the holy lake of Pushkar in a charming manner. Rajasthan is renowned for being one of India's safest states and with Pushkar being nestled in the centre, it provides yet another reason to visit this exquisite part of India.

ABOUT THE PUSHKAR FAIR

During the Pushkar Fair, The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation puts up a tourist village with arrangements including luxury tents. The tourist village is self sufficient and specially designed to complement the natural beauty of the site. It has a coffee shop and dining hall, which can cater to 1,500 guests.

Expected dated for future Pushkar Fairs:

• 12th - 15th November 2005
• 2nd -5th November 2006
• 21st - 24th November 2007
• 10th - 13th November 2008
• 30th - 2nd October - November 2009
• 8th - 21st November 2010

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