The 23-crore sensation of Pushkar Mela 2025: How Anmol became India’s most talked-about buffalo

Pushkar Mela is one of the most-awaited cultural events in India organised annually in Puskar, Rajasthan. The mela attracts travellers, photographers and animal bidders from all over the country. But this year, the fair is going to be extra special thanks to Anmol, a gorgeous, 1,500-kg Muurah buffalo from Haryana. But that’s not all. The buffalo has a price tag of INR 23 crore! Yes you read that absolutely correct! If you have US $2.7 million, the buffalo is yours.The price and beauty of the spectacular and unique creature has left people all curious and amused. Let’s find out what makes Anmol (meaning priceless) actually worth every buck:What breed is Anmol?So, those who don’t know, Anmol is an eight-year-old male buffalo. It is tall, dark and as handsome as it gets! This purebred Murrah buffalo comes from the Sirsa district, Haryana and weighs approximately 1,500 kg. The buffalo’s proud owner, Mr. Gill brings him to all major livestock events. The buffalo had already been seen at earlier Pushkar fairs and the All-India Farmers’ Fair in Meerut. The creature is a showstopper and draws huge crowds and media attention every time it comes out. Why so expensiveAnmol is not your ordinary buffalo! Anmol is valued at tens of crores. It might sound absurd but once you see why, you won’t question its evaluation:Premium breed: Murrah buffaloes are famous not only in India but beyond borders too for high milk yield, power, and favourable breeding traits. Also Anmol is everywhere described as “pure Murrah” which only adds to its price. Size matters: Anmol weighs 1,500 kg and presumably stellar lineage (including a mother who reportedly produced 25 litres of milk daily). This increases its rare genetic value.

Semen sales: Anmol’s semen remains highly in demand for artificial insemination and breeding purposes. As per several reports, the semen is collected two times every week; each extraction is valued at about INR 250 which can be used to breed over hundreds of cattle. Monthly income from this is estimated at INR 4-5 lakh. Showstopper value: At famous events like Pushkar Mela and other cattle fairs, Anmol is photographed and valued as a “star” and “showstopper”. Media coverage, social-media popularity and press stories all add to the value.Maintenance cost: Maintaining a pure breed animal like Anmol comes with its own cost. His owner reportedly spends around more than a thousand bucks every day on his diet. His food includes almonds, pomegranates, bananas, eggs, ghee, soybeans, corn, and green fodder, to name some. The animal is bathed twice a day with a mixture of almond-mustard-oil to keep his body shiny. A truly high maintenance buffalo.Life span: While typical lifespan of a Murrah buffalo with excellent care is up to 25 years. But Anmol could live longer with such a rich diet.About Pushkar MelaThe Pushkar Mela (or Pushkar Cattle Fair) in Rajasthan is an experience of a lifetime. It’s not just a livestock market, it is a cultural event that attracts tourists, photographers and — thousands of animals, traders, visitors, media reporters. The seven-day Pushkar Mela, organized by Rajasthan Tourism, is a vibrant mix of culture, rural commerce, and festive entertainment. Held each year during the full moon of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, the fair celebrates both faith and tradition.According to legend, Lord Brahma — the creator of the universe — performed a sacred ritual at Pushkar Lake on this auspicious day. Even today, thousands of devotees from across India gather to take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake.