Camel racing is a popular sport in rural Rajasthan, and it was only fitting to include the event at the Pushkar Camel Fair. However, dollops of amateurism was added to the event when foreign tourists were invited to race the camels. Of course, they could scarcely be expected to make these species walk, let alone run. They were thus allowed a local to ride pillion and be the actual ‘driver.’

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The event was held in the local stadium designed for athletics, football and all other possible sports in a part dusty, part grassy field. Just as the eight camels were about to go off the blocks, an organizer ran in with a frantic message, “Wait, wait; one more foreigner is coming.” Make it nine competing for the honours. First one to complete a full lap – and a bit more to the national flag hoisted where the VIPs were sitting – would be declared winner.

Despite the public address system blaring for everyone to vacate the field, I chose to stand along the inner track to get pictures in proper light. And off went the camels…while my camera clicked away merrily. Something made me look right from the corner of my eye after a few shots – and what I saw can put the fear of God in even the most committed of atheists. Two camels were off course, headed in my direction. At all the speed teams of a novice foreigner and a local professional could muster – quite a lot when they are just a few feet away from you. Whoa! I jumped back just in time, or I would still be lying all taped up in a local quack’s clinic. I am sure the camels would have bumped me off with a fair bit of momentum. Trust me, this is an understatement.

Back to the business of reporting: all the camels decided to take the lap of shortest distance, cutting across the football field rather than going around it. Dharma – a local riding solo – won the cash prize of Rs. 500. Enough to buy feed for his camel for four days.