Question 1

What is the "Flower petal hand-off" scam in Pushkar?

Accepted Answer

A friendly local welcomes you and slips marigold or rose petals into your hand, insisting it is a free gift or local custom and that refusing brings bad luck. If you try to give them back, an accomplice pushes them back into your hand, committing you to the lakeside ritual and donation demand that follows. The petals are simply the hook that initiates the larger blessing scam. Keep your hands closed and do not take anything offered on the street near the lake. Say a clear no, set the flowers down on the ground rather than holding them, and keep walking without engaging.

Question 2

What is the "Photo fee from costumed sadhus" scam in Pushkar?

Accepted Answer

Brightly dressed 'holy men' and snake charmers around the lake and temple pose willingly for photos, then aggressively demand 200 to 1,000 rupees once the picture is taken, with accomplices appearing to amplify the pressure. Some perform a quick blessing or tilak first to manufacture a sense of obligation. Refusing can trigger a loud public scene. Always ask 'is there a charge?' and agree a small price before photographing anyone, or simply don't take the photo. Carry small notes so you are not forced to overpay, and walk away calmly if a scene starts.

Street Scams in Pushkar

Flower petal hand-off

Photo fee from costumed sadhus

Experienced a scam here?