The Pushkar Fair in Rajasthan is serious business for those in cattle and camel trade as people from far off places converge to get the best deals.
For tourists and city dwellers visiting the fair, it's all about reliving the childhood fun of balloon-shooting and other activities at desi melas.
A child marvels at the colours on display while the mother is busy picking up her shade of choice.
The last day of the fair is all about having fun. The grand finale begins with traditional folk dances, followed by various fun competitions like the 'Best Bride' contest.
The 'Best Moustache' competition may sound funny to us, but there's serious prestige at stake for the contestants.
Even Rajasthani men are not far behind when it comes to adding a dash of colour.
It's not just about the locals as foreigners, too, participate in the competitions. The matka race is quite a deal for the ladies. And in a land where miles need to be walked to fetch some water, the women never forget to take home the filled-up matkas!
The firang vs locals tug-of-war draws huge cheers from the crowd. And much to everyone's delight, baajre ki roti prevails over pasta and steaks!
Rajasthan may be a desert-state, but there's no dearth of spring colours.
The biggest draw of the day is kept for the last. The camel race is a spectacle and a matter of pride for riders and owners of the animals.
As evening descends, the party shifts to the other side of the fair ground. With Mickey in town, Pushkar revels in its own Disneyland as the giant wheels, circus and maut ka kuan liven up the place for one last evening this year.
Evening also means the final maha aarti at the Puskar lake. And that means an abundance of puffed rice and other sweets for these swans.
The frenzied end to the five-day fair may just leave you exhausted. But sitting in the quietness of the Pushkar lake, long after the worshippers have left, calms one down.