Tourism - Major Attractions
The fairs and festivals of Rajasthan are the example of State's lively cultural heritage. Through the organization of these fairs and festivals and cultural programmes, promotion of tourism is done. Fairs & festivals have a great appeal for tourists. Department organizes world famous fairs and festivals annually to promote the living cultural heritage of the State.Falsely accused of being devoid of life, Rajasthan celebrates the generosity of nature through its countless festivals and fairs. Such is the spirit of its people that the state capital was lovingly anointed ‘The City of Festivals’.Festivals hold an unusual lure for the Rajasthanis and they need little reason to celebrate, be it the turn of a season, a wedding or even a dry time of the year, the desert folk are in love with gaiety. The frequent pageantry serves well for trade too as it makes for a thriving market, of which live off its artists and tradesmen. Each region boasts of its own form of folk entertainment, traditions and dialect, adding to the state’s diversity.
The name Baneshwar is derived from the revered Shiva Linga which is kept in the Mahadev temple in Dungarpur. "Baneshwar" means the 'master of the delta' in the local Vagdi language and this name was given to Shiva Linga. The Baneshwar fair is held at a small delta formed by the river Som and Mahi, from Magh Shukla Ekadashi to Magh Shukla Poornima during Shivratri. (January-February). The Baneshwar fair, in its present form is actually a merger of two fairs: one which used to be held in honour of Baneshwar Mahadev (Lord Shiva) and another fair which started after the construction of the Vishnu temple by Jankunwari, daughter-in-law of Mavji, a highly revered saint considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The River Chadrabhaga runs here and is considered holy by the people residing in this part of Rajasthan. On the full moon night of 'Kartik purnima', thousands of pilgrims take a holy dip in the river. The fair, held on the last day of Kartik, attracts devotees who bathe in the holy waters at this spot which is known as Chandravati. Chandrabhaga Fair-JHALRAPATAN A big cattle fair which blends religion with commerce is held here. Livestock like cows, horses, buffaloes, camels and bullocks are brought from distant parts for sale. Traders from various parts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra converge here and brisk trading takes place. The fair provides an opportunity for the tourists to acquaint themselves with the people of this region and their rituals and traditions.
The annual fair of Kaila Devi (Mahalakshmi or the goddess of wealth) is held at the village Kaila in Karauli district in the month of Chaitra (Mar-Apr) and lasts for a fortnight. The temple of Kaila Devi is located on the banks of the Kalisil River in the hills of Trikut, 2 kms north-west of Kaila village. Approximately 2 lakh devotees gather during the fair. The ritual of Kanak-Dandotis is observed by staunch devotees. They cover a distance of 15 to 20 kms to reach the temple not just on foot but also by rolling prostrate till the temple’s foot. Groups of Meena tribesmen arrive in a spirit of gaiety – dancing, singing and creating a lively atmosphere. The spacious courtyard becomes the venue for dances and songs sung in praise of the guardian deity.
The Shri Mahavirji Fair is held from Chaitra Shukla Ekadasi to Baisakh Krishna Dwitiya (March-April) to commemorate the memory of Shri Mahavir Swami, the 24th tirthankara (saint) of the Jains, in Chandangaon. The Mahavirji temple is located in an enclosure known as ‘katala’ and houses the image of Mahavir Swami believed to have been dug out by a leather worker from Devta-Ka-Tila, a nearby hillock. There is a Maan-Stambha (tower of glory) made of marble in front of the temple. The major attraction is the Rath Yatra. The fair of Mahavirji reaches its peak on Baisakh Krishna Dwitiya when the image of the deity is taken to the bank of river Gambhiri in a grand procession for Kalash Abhishek. The golden chariot is drawn by bullocks, four people wave chanvars (fly whisks) over the image and the site resounds with religious songs as crowd chants ‘Shri Mahavir Swami ki Jai’.
This eight-day fair held every year during the month of January - February, is popularly known as the cattle fair and is the second largest in Rajasthan. Nagaur Town is the most picturesque of Rajput townships. The town becomes a sea of animals, trading over 70,000 bullocks, camels and horses every year. The bullocks are known for their fleetness. Not only are the animals lavishly decorated, even their owners flaunt their colorful turbans and long moustaches. From shearing sheep to handsome marwari horses to spices all compiled in one fair. Attractions include the ‘mirchi’ bazaar (largest red chilly market of India), wooden items, iron-crafts and camel leather accessories.
The Pushkar Cattle Fair is one of the largest in India and the only one of its kind in the entire world. During the fair, lakhs of rural people flock to Pushkar along with camel and cattle for several days of livestock trading, horse dealing, pilgrimage and religious festival. According to Hindu chronology, it takes place in the month of Kartika (October or November) beginning on 8th day of Lunar Calendar and continues till full moon (Poornima). Pushkar fair has its own magic and it's a lifetime experience for travellers. It has featured in numbers of travel shows, films and magazines. According to the Lonely Planet: “It’s truly a feast for the eyes. If you are any where within striking distance at the time, it’s an event not to be missed.” Foot Print India handbook 2001 writes: “The huge mela is Pushkar’s biggest draw. An unforgettable experience.”
Gogaji Fair is held in the memory of a popular hero of the area, who is known as Goga Peer, among the Hindus and Jahar Peer, among the Muslims. The Kayam Khani Muslims claim descent from him and regard him as a saint. Staunch believers have faith that invoking Gogaji can even cure a snake bite and other diseases. Many visit the Gogaji Fair to make wishes or for expressing their gratitude when their wishes come true. This annual fair lasts for 3 days in the month of Bhadrapada. The main mode of worship is burning incense at the ‘samadhi’. Offerings of coconuts, patashas (sugar drops) and cash are made. Priests are engaged for conducting special prayers in which songs sung are sung in praise of Gogaji. The atmosphere inside the hall is serene and sanctified. Fragrance and incense heighten the feeling of purity and devotion.
The Jambheswar Fair is held in the village Mukam of tehsil Nokha, Bikaner District, twice a year on Phalgun Budi Amavasya and Ashvin Budi Amavasya, in memory of the founder of the Bishnoi sect -Jambheswarji. His teachings are condensed into 120 sayings which propagate the cardinal virtues of self-control, truth and non-violence. He taught 29 articles of religion and hence the term Bishnoi from ‘Bees’ (twenty) and ‘Nau’ (nine). The Bishnois consider him to be an incarnation of Vishnu. Near the Nokha town, there are two temples of Jambheswarji, one in the village Mukam (mukam literally means abode) and the other on the sand dune of Samarthal.
Karni Mata Fair is held twice a year at Deshnok, a small town near Nokha in Bikaner district. The first and larger fair is held in March-April during the Navratras from Chaitra Shukla Ekam to Chaitra Shukla Dashmi. The second fair is held in September-October, also during the Navratras, from Ashvin Shukla to Ashwin Shukla Dashmi. Karni Mata was an ascetic who led a righteous life dedicated to the service and uplifting of the poor and downtrodden of all communities. It is believed that she possessed supernatural powers. The foundation of Deshnok was laid by her and she has been worshipped as a goddess by her principal followers, Charans, as well as the rulers of Bikaner, who regarded her as the patron deity. The Karni Mata Fair is held in her honour.
Situated about 12 kms to the north of Pokhran, the village of Ramdevra known after Baba Ramdev, a Tanwar Rajput and a saint who took Samadhi (conscious exit from the mortal body) in 1458 AD. He had miraculous powers and his fame reached far and wide. Legend goes that five Pirs (saints) from Mecca came here to test his power and after being convinced, paid their homage to him. Since then he is venerated by Muslims also as Ram Shah Pir. The Hindus regard him as an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
The lakeside city of Ajmer is located in central Rajasthan, and is held in great reverence by devotees of all communities who call it 'Ajmer Sharif' (Holy Ajmer). It is here that the mortal remains of the highly respected Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti lie buried. The Khwaja came from Persia and established the Chishti order in India. He is popularly known as Gharib Nawaz (protector of the poor) because he dedicated his entire life to the service of mankind. His spartan life spanned almost a hundred years and he embraced death in solitude while he had withdrawn to his cell for six days, asking not to be disturbed. The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is the place where the Saint's mortal remains lie buried and is the site of the largest Muslim fair in India. More than five lakh devotees belonging to different communities gather from all parts of the subcontinent to pay homage to the Khwaja on his Urs (death anniversary) during the first six days of Rajab (seventh month of the Islamic calendar.)
The festivals make way for fairs. Originally a congregation of cattle breeders and small vendors, these gatherings retain their rustic charm, but today they are far from being merely utilitarian. Of the several hundred fairs that have grown over the years some major ones, like the Pushkar Fair, the Desert Festival, Elephant Festival and Camel Festival. Other fairs, like Kajli Bundi, Kaila Devi Fair, Ramdevra Fair and Banehswar Fair to name just a select few, were purely celebrations of faith and remain so even today.These celebrations serve as little ‘jharokhas’ or windows to our vivacious culture, our appetite for life and the warmth that permeates from the sands to our hearts and the world that surrounds us. One of the most colorful and vibrant deserts in the world, the Great Thar has much to offer through its music, dance, folk art and food.With so much on offer, it’s a sin to call a desert monochromatic.
Baneshwar fair-Baneshwar - Dungarpur
The name Baneshwar is derived from the revered Shiva Linga which is kept in the Mahadev temple in Dungarpur. "Baneshwar" means the 'master of the delta' in the local Vagdi language and this name was given to Shiva Linga. The Baneshwar fair is held at a small delta formed by the river Som and Mahi, from Magh Shukla Ekadashi to Magh Shukla Poornima during Shivratri. (January-February). The Baneshwar fair, in its present form is actually a merger of two fairs: one which used to be held in honour of Baneshwar Mahadev (Lord Shiva) and another fair which started after the construction of the Vishnu temple by Jankunwari, daughter-in-law of Mavji, a highly revered saint considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Chandrabhaga Fair-Jhalrapatan, Jhalawar
The River Chadrabhaga runs here and is considered holy by the people residing in this part of Rajasthan. On the full moon night of 'Kartik purnima', thousands of pilgrims take a holy dip in the river. The fair, held on the last day of Kartik, attracts devotees who bathe in the holy waters at this spot which is known as Chandravati. Chandrabhaga Fair-JHALRAPATAN A big cattle fair which blends religion with commerce is held here. Livestock like cows, horses, buffaloes, camels and bullocks are brought from distant parts for sale. Traders from various parts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra converge here and brisk trading takes place. The fair provides an opportunity for the tourists to acquaint themselves with the people of this region and their rituals and traditions.
Kaila Devi Fair - Karauli
The annual fair of Kaila Devi (Mahalakshmi or the goddess of wealth) is held at the village Kaila in Karauli district in the month of Chaitra (Mar-Apr) and lasts for a fortnight. The temple of Kaila Devi is located on the banks of the Kalisil River in the hills of Trikut, 2 kms north-west of Kaila village. Approximately 2 lakh devotees gather during the fair. The ritual of Kanak-Dandotis is observed by staunch devotees. They cover a distance of 15 to 20 kms to reach the temple not just on foot but also by rolling prostrate till the temple’s foot. Groups of Meena tribesmen arrive in a spirit of gaiety – dancing, singing and creating a lively atmosphere. The spacious courtyard becomes the venue for dances and songs sung in praise of the guardian deity.
Another attraction is the small temple dedicated to Bhairon, situated in the courtyard and facing the shrine of Kaila Devi is a temple of Hanuman locally called Languriya.
Shri Mahavirji Fair - Mahaveerji
The Shri Mahavirji Fair is held from Chaitra Shukla Ekadasi to Baisakh Krishna Dwitiya (March-April) to commemorate the memory of Shri Mahavir Swami, the 24th tirthankara (saint) of the Jains, in Chandangaon. The Mahavirji temple is located in an enclosure known as ‘katala’ and houses the image of Mahavir Swami believed to have been dug out by a leather worker from Devta-Ka-Tila, a nearby hillock. There is a Maan-Stambha (tower of glory) made of marble in front of the temple. The major attraction is the Rath Yatra. The fair of Mahavirji reaches its peak on Baisakh Krishna Dwitiya when the image of the deity is taken to the bank of river Gambhiri in a grand procession for Kalash Abhishek. The golden chariot is drawn by bullocks, four people wave chanvars (fly whisks) over the image and the site resounds with religious songs as crowd chants ‘Shri Mahavir Swami ki Jai’.
Nagaur Fair - Ramdeoji Cattle Fair - Nagaur
This eight-day fair held every year during the month of January - February, is popularly known as the cattle fair and is the second largest in Rajasthan. Nagaur Town is the most picturesque of Rajput townships. The town becomes a sea of animals, trading over 70,000 bullocks, camels and horses every year. The bullocks are known for their fleetness. Not only are the animals lavishly decorated, even their owners flaunt their colorful turbans and long moustaches. From shearing sheep to handsome marwari horses to spices all compiled in one fair. Attractions include the ‘mirchi’ bazaar (largest red chilly market of India), wooden items, iron-crafts and camel leather accessories.
Pushkar Fair - Pushkar - Ajmer
The Pushkar Cattle Fair is one of the largest in India and the only one of its kind in the entire world. During the fair, lakhs of rural people flock to Pushkar along with camel and cattle for several days of livestock trading, horse dealing, pilgrimage and religious festival. According to Hindu chronology, it takes place in the month of Kartika (October or November) beginning on 8th day of Lunar Calendar and continues till full moon (Poornima). Pushkar fair has its own magic and it's a lifetime experience for travellers. It has featured in numbers of travel shows, films and magazines. According to the Lonely Planet: “It’s truly a feast for the eyes. If you are any where within striking distance at the time, it’s an event not to be missed.” Foot Print India handbook 2001 writes: “The huge mela is Pushkar’s biggest draw. An unforgettable experience.”
Gogaji Fair
Gogaji Fair is held in the memory of a popular hero of the area, who is known as Goga Peer, among the Hindus and Jahar Peer, among the Muslims. The Kayam Khani Muslims claim descent from him and regard him as a saint. Staunch believers have faith that invoking Gogaji can even cure a snake bite and other diseases. Many visit the Gogaji Fair to make wishes or for expressing their gratitude when their wishes come true. This annual fair lasts for 3 days in the month of Bhadrapada. The main mode of worship is burning incense at the ‘samadhi’. Offerings of coconuts, patashas (sugar drops) and cash are made. Priests are engaged for conducting special prayers in which songs sung are sung in praise of Gogaji. The atmosphere inside the hall is serene and sanctified. Fragrance and incense heighten the feeling of purity and devotion.
Jambheswar Fair
The Jambheswar Fair is held in the village Mukam of tehsil Nokha, Bikaner District, twice a year on Phalgun Budi Amavasya and Ashvin Budi Amavasya, in memory of the founder of the Bishnoi sect -Jambheswarji. His teachings are condensed into 120 sayings which propagate the cardinal virtues of self-control, truth and non-violence. He taught 29 articles of religion and hence the term Bishnoi from ‘Bees’ (twenty) and ‘Nau’ (nine). The Bishnois consider him to be an incarnation of Vishnu. Near the Nokha town, there are two temples of Jambheswarji, one in the village Mukam (mukam literally means abode) and the other on the sand dune of Samarthal.
Karni Mata Fair - Deshnok
Karni Mata Fair is held twice a year at Deshnok, a small town near Nokha in Bikaner district. The first and larger fair is held in March-April during the Navratras from Chaitra Shukla Ekam to Chaitra Shukla Dashmi. The second fair is held in September-October, also during the Navratras, from Ashvin Shukla to Ashwin Shukla Dashmi. Karni Mata was an ascetic who led a righteous life dedicated to the service and uplifting of the poor and downtrodden of all communities. It is believed that she possessed supernatural powers. The foundation of Deshnok was laid by her and she has been worshipped as a goddess by her principal followers, Charans, as well as the rulers of Bikaner, who regarded her as the patron deity. The Karni Mata Fair is held in her honour.
A peculiar characteristic of the temple is the legion of rats roaming about in large numbers in the temple. They are considered auspicious and the devotees make offerings. Two kinds of offerings, the 'dwar-bhent' is attributed to the priests and the workers. The 'kalash-bhent' is utilised for the temple maintenance and development.
Ramdevra Fair
Situated about 12 kms to the north of Pokhran, the village of Ramdevra known after Baba Ramdev, a Tanwar Rajput and a saint who took Samadhi (conscious exit from the mortal body) in 1458 AD. He had miraculous powers and his fame reached far and wide. Legend goes that five Pirs (saints) from Mecca came here to test his power and after being convinced, paid their homage to him. Since then he is venerated by Muslims also as Ram Shah Pir. The Hindus regard him as an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
Baba Ram Dev believed in the equality of all human beings, both high and low, rich and poor. He helped the down-trodden by granting them their wishes.Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner constructed a temple around the ‘samadhi’ in 1931 AD. Rice, coconuts, churma and wooden horses (toys) are offered to Ramdevji by the devotees.
Urs(Ajmer)
The lakeside city of Ajmer is located in central Rajasthan, and is held in great reverence by devotees of all communities who call it 'Ajmer Sharif' (Holy Ajmer). It is here that the mortal remains of the highly respected Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti lie buried. The Khwaja came from Persia and established the Chishti order in India. He is popularly known as Gharib Nawaz (protector of the poor) because he dedicated his entire life to the service of mankind. His spartan life spanned almost a hundred years and he embraced death in solitude while he had withdrawn to his cell for six days, asking not to be disturbed. The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is the place where the Saint's mortal remains lie buried and is the site of the largest Muslim fair in India. More than five lakh devotees belonging to different communities gather from all parts of the subcontinent to pay homage to the Khwaja on his Urs (death anniversary) during the first six days of Rajab (seventh month of the Islamic calendar.)
Your extensive blog on Major Tourism attractions is wonderful. I see that the Baneshwar fair will be held shortly. It would be an excellent opportunity to take part in The Maha Kumbh Of Tribals & learn about their rich legacy. Keep sharing such helpful posts on tourism attractions in India.
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