Chapter 8: World of Fairs — Major Fairs of Rajasthan
Chapter 8: World of Fairs — Major Fairs of Rajasthan
Exam Relevance: RPSC / RSSB / REET / Board Exam
SECTION 2: Core Idea
Rajasthan is acclaimed as the colorful land of fairs and celebrations. Its fairs represent an extraordinary confluence of religious devotion, folk heritage, historic traditions, cattle trade, and social solidarity. Major fairs of Rajasthan include the Pushkar Fair (Ajmer), Baba Ramdevra Fair (Jaisalmer), Gogamedi Fair (Hanumangarh), Veer Teja Cattle Fair (Nagaur), Mallinath Cattle Fair (Tilwara, Balotra/Barmer), Kapil Muni Fair (Kolayat, Bikaner), Khejarli Martyrs Tree Fair (Jodhpur), and Beneshwar Dham Fair (Dungarpur). These fairs serve as vibrant symbols of cultural diversity, tribal pride, and rural community life.
Key Keywords: Pushkar Cattle Fair, Ramdevra Fair, Mallinath Cattle Fair, Khejarli Tree Fair, Beneshwar Fair (Kumbh of Tribals), Kapil Muni Fair (Kolayat)
An average of 3-5 questions are asked from this chapter.
SECTION 3: DISTRICT-WISE CONTRIBUTION
| District | Major Fair | Key Characteristics and Date | Prime Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajmer | Pushkar Fair, Khwaja Garib Nawaz Urs | World-famous colorful cattle fair (Kartik Purnima), Urs in Rajab month | Pushkar, Ajmer Dargah |
| Jaisalmer | Baba Ramdevra Fair, Desert Festival | Grand congregation of communal harmony (Bhadrapada Shukla Dwitiya to Ekadashi), Desert Festival (Magha) | Ramdevra (Runecha), Jaisalmer |
| Hanumangarh | Gogamedi Fair, Bhadrakali Fair | Grand fair of snake deity Goga Ji (Bhadrapada Krishna Navami) | Gogamedi (Nohar) |
| Nagaur | Veer Teja Cattle Fair, Baldev Cattle Fair | Renowned state-level cattle fairs (Bhadrapada Shukla Dashmi / Chaitra Shukla Pratipada) | Parbatsar, Merta City |
| Balotra / Barmer | Mallinath Cattle Fair, Rani Bhatiani Fair | Oldest cattle fair of Rajasthan (Chaitra Krishna Ekadashi to Shukla Ekadashi), Thar Festival | Tilwara (Luni River bank), Jasol |
| Jodhpur | Khejarli Tree Fair, Dhinga Gavar Betmar Fair | World's only Tree Fair (Bhadrapada Shukla Dashmi), unique women's stick fair | Khejarli, Jodhpur city |
| Bikaner | Kapil Muni Fair, Karni Mata Fair, Camel Festival | Lamp illumination at Samkhya philosophy shrine (Kartik Purnima), Rat goddess (Navratri) | Kolayat, Deshnoke, Bikaner |
| Dungarpur | Beneshwar Dham Fair, Nilapani Fair | 'Maha Kumbh of Tribals' and Pushkar of Vagad (Magha Shukla Ekadashi to Purnima) | Navatapra (Som-Mahi-Jakham confluence) |
| Churu | Salasar Balaji Fair, Goga Ji Sheershmedi | Chaitra and Ashwin Purnima (bearded Hanuman deity), Bhadrapada Krishna Navami | Salasar, Dadrewa |
| Phalodi | Pabuji Fair | Folk deity of camels and plague protector (Chaitra Amavasya) | Kolu Pabuji |
| Pratapgarh | Gautameshwar (Bhuriya Baba) Fair, Sitamata Fair | Sacred shrine of Meena community (Vaishakha Purnima), Jyeshtha Amavasya | Arnod, Sitamata Sanctuary |
| Sawai Madhopur | Trinetra Ganesha Fair, Chauth Mata Fair | Ranthambore Fort on Ganesha Chaturthi (Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi), Til Chauth (Magha) | Ranthambore, Chauth ka Barwara |
SECTION 4: Origin and Core Facts
- Classification and Significance of Fairs: Fairs are the pulsating heartbeat of Rajasthani life. They are broadly categorized into four types:
- Religious and Folk Deity Fairs: Pushkar Fair, Ramdevra, Gogamedi, Karni Mata, Jeen Mata, Salasar Balaji, Kaila Devi.
- Cattle Fairs: Mallinath Cattle Fair (Tilwara - oldest), Veer Teja Cattle Fair (Parbatsar - highest revenue), Gogamedi Cattle Fair, Mahashivratri Cattle Fair (Karauli), Chandrabhaga Cattle Fair (Jhalrapatan).
- Tribal Fairs: Beneshwar Fair (Dungarpur - Kumbh of Bhils and Vagad), Ghotia Amba Fair (Banswara), Mangarh Dham Fair (Banswara), Sitabari Fair (Kelwara, Baran - Kumbh of Sahariya tribe).
- Environmental and Historic Fairs: Khejarli Martyrs Tree Fair (Jodhpur - global symbol of forest and nature conservation).
- Key Cultural Elements: Traditional instruments (Ravanhattha, Algoza, Chang, Mandal), Gair and Ghoomar dances, cattle breed improvement and trading, rural weekly markets, and vibrant congregations.
- Key Historical Sources: Colonel James Tod's accounts, historical treatises by Munshi Devi Prasad, Rajasthani folk ballads, and the Rajasthan State Archives (Bikaner).
SECTION 5: Major Fairs and Dates (TABLE)
| Fair | Date | Major Location and District | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pushkar Fair | Kartik Shukla Ekadashi to Purnima | Pushkar (Ajmer) | Rajasthan's most colorful carnival, extensive camel trade, sacred lake holy dip and Deepdan |
| Ramdevra Fair | Bhadrapada Shukla Dwitiya to Ekadashi | Ramdevra / Runecha (Jaisalmer) | Communal harmony (Hindu-Muslim brotherhood), Terah Tali dance, Ramshah Pir |
| Gogamedi Fair | Bhadrapada Krishna Navami | Gogamedi, Nohar (Hanumangarh) | Samadhi of Goga Ji (Dhurmedi), Goga Ji cattle fair, Jaharpeer worship |
| Veer Teja Cattle Fair | Bhadrapada Shukla Dashmi | Parbatsar (Nagaur) | Sale of Nagauri bullocks, state-level cattle fair in honor of Veer Teja Ji |
| Mallinath Cattle Fair | Chaitra Krishna Ekadashi to Shukla Ekadashi | Tilwara (Balotra/Barmer) | Oldest cattle fair of Rajasthan, trading of Kankrej cows and Tharparkar horses |
| Khejarli Tree Fair | Bhadrapada Shukla Dashmi | Khejarli (Jodhpur) | World's only Tree Fair commemorating 363 Bishnoi martyrs of 1730 CE |
| Kapil Muni Fair | Kartik Purnima | Kolayat (Bikaner) | Hermitage of sage Kapil, sacred holy dip and Deepdan across 52 ghats |
| Beneshwar Dham Fair | Magha Shukla Ekadashi to Purnima | Navatapra (Dungarpur) | Kumbh of Tribals, Som-Mahi-Jakham Triveni confluence, worship of broken Shiva lingam |
| Sitabari Fair | Jyeshtha Amavasya | Kelwara (Baran) | Kumbh of Sahariya tribe, largest fair of Hadoti region |
| Kaila Devi Fair | Chaitra Shukla Ashtami (Lakhi Fair) | Kaila Devi (Karauli) | Languriya hymns and dance, tutelary goddess of Yaduvanshi clan, Kalisil river bank |
| Jeen Mata Fair | Chaitra and Ashwin Shukla Pratipada-Navami | Rewasa (Sikar) | Kuldevi of Chauhans, longest folk ballad, celebrated Shekhawati fair |
| Khatu Shyamji Fair | Phalgun Shukla Ekadashi and Dwadashi | Khatu (Sikar) | Patron of the defeated, donor of head Barbarika, grand Lakhi fair |
| Chandrabhaga Cattle Fair | Kartik Purnima | Jhalrapatan (Jhalawar) | Trading of Malvi breed cattle, Chandrabhaga river bank |
| Ghotia Amba Fair | Chaitra Amavasya | Barigama (Banswara) | Celebrated pilgrimage of Bhil tribals, mythological association with Pandavas |
SECTION 6: Key Shrines and Places
| Place | District | Significance and Historical Context |
|---|---|---|
| Pushkar | Ajmer | Ancient temple of Lord Brahma, Savitri hill, sacred Pushkar lake |
| Ramdevra (Runecha) | Jaisalmer | Samadhi of Baba Ramdevji, Parcha Baori, Ramsarovar pond |
| Gogamedi (Dhurmedi) | Hanumangarh | Samadhi of Goga Ji, mausoleum-style shrine with Bismillah inscribed on portal |
| Tilwara | Balotra/Barmer | Spiritual seat of Rawal Mallinath and Rani Rupade, Luni river basin |
| Parbatsar | Nagaur | Venue of grand Veer Teja cattle fair |
| Navatapra (Beneshwar) | Dungarpur | Meditation seat of saint Mavji, confluence of Som, Mahi, and Jakham rivers |
| Kolayat | Bikaner | Hermitage of Samkhya philosopher sage Kapil Muni, oasis lake in the desert |
| Kelwara (Sitabari) | Baran | Sage Valmiki ashram, Sita-Lakshmana Kund, core of Sahariya tribal culture |
| Salasar | Churu | Unique idol of Lord Hanuman with mustache and beard |
| Karauli | Karauli | Lakhi temple of Kaila Devi nestled on Trikuta hill |
| Jhalawar (Jhalrapatan) | Jhalawar | City of temple bells, Chandrabhaga river and Sun Temple |
| Arnod | Pratapgarh | Gautameshwar Mahadev shrine, Haridwar of absolution |
SECTION 7: Chronological Timeline Table
| Date | Fair | Geographic and Cultural Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Chaitra Krishna Ekadashi to Shukla Ekadashi | Mallinath Cattle Fair | Tilwara (Balotra), Luni river bank, oldest cattle fair |
| Chaitra Amavasya | Pabuji Fair, Ghotia Amba Fair | Kolu (Phalodi), Banswara (tribal shrine) |
| Chaitra Shukla Ashtami | Kaila Devi Lakhi Fair | Karauli, Trikuta hill, Languriya devotion |
| Vaishakha Purnima | Banganga Fair, Gautameshwar Fair | Viratnagar (Jaipur Rural), Arnod (Pratapgarh) |
| Jyeshtha Amavasya | Sitabari Fair | Kelwara (Baran), Maha Kumbh of Sahariya tribe |
| Bhadrapada Shukla Dwitiya to Ekadashi | Baba Ramdevra Fair | Ramdevra (Jaisalmer), supreme fair of communal brotherhood |
| Bhadrapada Krishna Navami | Gogamedi Fair | Gogamedi (Hanumangarh), snake worship |
| Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi | Trinetra Ganesha Fair | Ranthambore Fort (Sawai Madhopur) |
| Bhadrapada Shukla Dashmi | Veer Teja Cattle Fair, Khejarli Tree Fair | Parbatsar (Nagaur), Khejarli (Jodhpur) |
| Kartik Purnima | Pushkar Fair, Kolayat Fair, Chandrabhaga Fair | Ajmer, Bikaner, Jhalrapatan (sacred Kartik bathing) |
| Magha Shukla Ekadashi to Purnima | Beneshwar Dham Fair | Navatapra (Dungarpur), Kumbh of Tribals |
| Phalgun Shukla Ekadashi-Dwadashi | Khatu Shyamji Lakhi Fair | Khatu (Sikar), donor of head Barbarika |
SECTION 8: PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (PYQs)
Q1. [RPSC 2018] In which district is the Beneshwar Fair, known as the 'Kumbh of Tribals', organized?
Answer: Dungarpur Explanation: On Magha Purnima, the Beneshwar Fair is held at Navatapra in Dungarpur district at the sacred confluence of Som, Mahi, and Jakham rivers. It is hailed as the Kumbh of Tribals.
Q2. [RSSB 2019] Which is regarded as the oldest cattle fair of Rajasthan?
Answer: Mallinath Cattle Fair (Tilwara) Explanation: Held in Chaitra month on the banks of Luni river at Tilwara in Barmer/Balotra, the Mallinath Cattle Fair is the oldest cattle fair in Rajasthan.
Q3. [REET 2020] Where is the world's only Tree Fair held on Bhadrapada Shukla Dashmi?
Answer: Khejarli (Jodhpur) Explanation: Commemorating the supreme sacrifice of 363 martyrs led by Amrita Devi Bishnoi in 1730 CE, the world's only tree fair is organized at Khejarli village in Jodhpur.
Q4. [RPSC 2021] The 'Sitabari Fair' is hailed as the Kumbh of which tribe?
Answer: Sahariya tribe Explanation: Held on Jyeshtha Amavasya at Kelwara in Baran district, the Sitabari Fair is the greatest pilgrimage and cultural Kumbh of the Sahariya tribe of Hadoti.
Q5. [RSSB 2020] On the bank of which lake is the Kapil Muni Fair held on Kartik Purnima?
Answer: Kolayat (Bikaner) Explanation: Across the 52 ghats of Kolayat lake in Bikaner, the Kapil Muni Fair is organized on Kartik Purnima, renowned for its ceremonial Deepdan lamp illumination.
Q6. [RPSC 2018] In which month and on which date is the world-famous Lakhi fair of Kaila Devi held?
Answer: Chaitra Shukla Ashtami Explanation: At the Kaila Devi temple situated on Trikuta hill in Karauli, the principal Lakhi fair is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Ashtami, where devotees perform Languriya songs and dances.
SECTION 9: QUICK REVISION TABLE
| Topic | Recall Point |
|---|---|
| Pushkar Fair | Kartik Purnima, Ajmer, colorful camel fair and sacred Deepdan |
| Ramdevra Fair | Bhadrapada Shukla Dwitiya to Ekadashi, Jaisalmer (Runecha), communal harmony |
| Gogamedi Fair | Bhadrapada Krishna Navami, Gogamedi (Hanumangarh), Jaharpeer worship |
| Teja Ji Cattle Fair | Bhadrapada Shukla Dashmi, Parbatsar (Nagaur), Nagauri bullock trade |
| Mallinath Cattle Fair | Chaitra Krishna Ekadashi to Shukla Ekadashi, Tilwara (Luni bank), oldest cattle fair |
| Khejarli Tree Fair | Bhadrapada Shukla Dashmi, Khejarli (Jodhpur), world's only tree fair |
| Beneshwar Fair | Magha Purnima, Navatapra (Dungarpur), Kumbh of Tribals, Triveni confluence |
| Kapil Muni Fair | Kartik Purnima, Kolayat (Bikaner), Samkhya philosophy, Deepdan |
| Sitabari Fair | Jyeshtha Amavasya, Kelwara (Baran), Kumbh of Sahariya tribe |
| Kaila Devi Fair | Chaitra Shukla Ashtami, Karauli, Languriya devotion and Lakhi fair |
| Khatu Shyamji Fair | Phalgun Shukla Ekadashi-Dwadashi, Sikar, donor of head Barbarika |
| Chandrabhaga Cattle Fair | Kartik Purnima, Jhalrapatan (Jhalawar), Malvi breed trade |
SECTION 10: EXTRA EXAM NOTES
Memory Tricks:
- "Mallinath = Oldest = Luni (Tilwara)" -> Oldest cattle fair in Chaitra.
- "Beneshwar = Magha = Triveni = Dungarpur" -> Maha Kumbh of tribals on Som, Mahi, Jakham confluence.
- "Trinity of Kartik Purnima" -> Pushkar (Ajmer), Kolayat (Bikaner), and Chandrabhaga (Jhalawar) - all three take place on Kartik Purnima.
- "Bhadrapada Shukla Dashmi" -> Teja Ji Cattle Fair (Parbatsar) and Khejarli Tree Fair (Jodhpur) both occur on this single date.
- "Sitabari = Sahariya = Baran" -> Jyeshtha Amavasya.
Common Exam Traps:
- Sitabari Fair (Kelwara, Baran - Sahariya Kumbh) vs Sitamata Fair (Pratapgarh - Jyeshtha Amavasya).
- Beneshwar Dham (Dungarpur - Kumbh of Tribals) vs Ghotia Amba (Banswara - sacred shrine of Bhils).
- Mallinath Cattle Fair (Tilwara, Balotra/Barmer) vs Tallinath Ji (Panchota, Jalore folk deity).
- Ramdevra Pilgrimage: Located in Pokhran tehsil, Jaisalmer district; while Ramdevji's birthplace is Undu Kashmir, Barmer district.
- Gogamedi (Hanumangarh - Samadhi shrine/Dhurmedi) vs Dadrewa (Churu - birthplace/Sheershmedi).
Map Locations:
- Ajmer -> Pushkar Fair
- Jaisalmer -> Ramdevra (Runecha)
- Hanumangarh / Churu -> Gogamedi, Dadrewa
- Nagaur -> Parbatsar (Teja Ji Cattle Fair)
- Balotra / Barmer -> Tilwara (Mallinath Fair)
- Jodhpur -> Khejarli (Tree Fair)
- Bikaner -> Kolayat (Kapil Muni Fair), Deshnoke (Karni Mata)
- Dungarpur -> Navatapra (Beneshwar Dham)
- Baran -> Kelwara (Sitabari Sahariya Fair)
- Karauli -> Kaila Devi Lakhi Fair
- Jhalawar -> Jhalrapatan (Chandrabhaga Fair)