A whirlwind of activity blows into the Indian town of Pushkar every fall when man and beast arrive for the annual Pushkar Fair. This year’s festivities commence Oct. 30 and continue through Nov. 6, bringing a burst of commotion to the usually sleepy corner of Rajasthan as thousands of revelers — and perhaps as many camels — converge for the fair.

In an unexpected twist, the Pushkar Fair combines religious observation with a livestock show. Renowned as a place of worship, the town on the banks of Pushkar Lake is considered a pilgrimage destination for the faithful, who believe a bath in the lake and worship at the Temple of Brahma lead to salvation.

The annual fair begins on a commercial note with events and entertainment centered on livestock trade, with sales and showings of camels, horses, sheep and cattle. Peripheral attractions include sporting events, musical performances, puppet shows, folk dancing and handicrafts for sale by street vendors. Camel races and parades are a highlight, with camel owners taking pride in bathing and dressing their camels with bells, beads and jewel-like adornments.

Another festival highlight: ritual bathing. On a designated day, members of the faithful join priests in pre-dawn worship on the banks of Pushkar Lake. Devotees recite prayers and chants before dipping into the sacred waters.

Commerce, devotion or a little bit of both, Pushkar invites travelers from around the world to plunge into a memorable experience.