Over 20,000 years ago, primitive man left traces of habitation by an oasis in the desert. This life-giving water, interpreted as divinity, was gradually identified in myths as the home of Brahma, the Creator, in the Hindu trinity. Hindus believe that, seeking an earthly abode, Brahma scattered lotus petals from which three lakes were formed. Identified with his lotus, this site came to be called Pushkar, which since the Mahabharata has headed the lists of Hindu pilgrimages. An annual animal fair, or mela, held around the full moon of November has now greatly added to its reputation as the world’s most picturesque fair.

Aman Nath has a Masters degree in history. Engaged in the restoration of historical properties now run as the heritage chain of Neemrana ‘non-hotel’ Hotels, Nath has also been actively involved with India’s contemporary art since the 1970s. He is the author of several books including Jaipur: The Last Destination, Dome Over India: Rashtrapati Bhavan and Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan.

Rajan Kapoor has won several awards for photography and featured in numerous publications.