Rajasthan, known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional livestock farming, hosts several major cattle fairs throughout the year.
These fairs are vibrant events where farmers and traders gather to showcase and trade their cattle, particularly camels. Here are some of the major cattle fairs in Rajasthan:
Major cattle fairs of Rajasthan |
Pushkar Fair:
The Pushkar Fair is one of the most famous and largest cattle fairs in Rajasthan.
It takes place in the town of Pushkar, near Ajmer, during the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November) and lasts for about a week.
Apart from cattle trading, the fair also features cultural events, camel races, folk performances, and religious rituals.
Nagaur Fair:
The Nagaur Fair is another significant cattle fair held in Nagaur, a city located between Jodhpur and Bikaner.
This fair is known for its large-scale trading of cattle, including camels, cows, bullocks, and horses.
It usually takes place in the months of January or February and lasts for several days. The fair also includes various competitions and cultural activities.
Bikaner Camel Festival:
Although not primarily a cattle fair, the Bikaner Camel Festival is a popular event that celebrates the importance of camels in the region.
It is held in the city of Bikaner, usually in the month of January.
The festival showcases beautifully decorated camels, camel races, camel dances, and other cultural performances.
Kolayat Fair:
The Kolayat Fair is held near the Kolayat Lake, located around 50 kilometers from Bikaner.
This fair takes place in the month of Kartik (October/November) and attracts a significant number of cattle traders and farmers.
Apart from cattle trading, the fair also has religious significance, and people take holy dips in the Kolayat Lake.
Tilwara Cattle Fair:
The Tilwara Cattle Fair is organized in the village of Tilwara, near the town of Sawai Madhopur, during the month of November.
This fair focuses primarily on the trading of cattle, including cows, bullocks, and camels. It offers a unique opportunity for farmers and traders to showcase and purchase livestock.
These are some of the major cattle fairs of Rajasthan, but there are several other smaller fairs and events that take place across the state throughout the year, celebrating the vibrant livestock culture of the region.
Mukundara Hills Camel Festival:
This festival takes place in the Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve, located in the Kota district of Rajasthan.
The event showcases the significance of camels and their role in the local culture. Visitors can witness camel rides, races, and various competitions.
It also offers an opportunity to explore the wildlife and natural beauty of the region.
Chandrabhaga Fair:
Held near the Chandrabhaga River in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan, this fair is a unique blend of religious and cattle trading activities.
It takes place in the month of Kartik (October/November) during the Kartik Purnima festival. Devotees take a holy dip in the river and offer prayers.
The fair also features cattle trading, handicrafts, traditional music, and dance performances.
Mahaparv Fair:
Organized in the village of Khandela in the Sikar district, the Mahaparv Fair is a significant cattle fair that showcases the vibrant rural life and livestock trading. It usually takes place in the month of September or October.
The fair attracts a large number of farmers, traders, and visitors who witness the trading of animals, including camels, cows, bullocks, and horses.
Cultural performances, traditional sports, and folk music are also part of the fair.
Bhadrapada Fair:
The Bhadrapada Fair is held in the village of Dundlod in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan.
It is celebrated during the month of Bhadrapada (August/September) and marks the beginning of the monsoon season.
The fair is known for its cattle trading and various agricultural activities.
People also participate in religious rituals and cultural programs, making it a unique blend of tradition, livestock, and festivities.
These cattle fairs provide a glimpse into the rich agricultural and livestock heritage of Rajasthan and offer visitors a chance to experience the vibrant culture, trade, and traditions associated with cattle farming in the region.
Ramdeoji Cattle Fair:
The Ramdeoji Cattle Fair, also known as Ramdeora Fair, is held near the Ramdeoji Temple in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan.
It takes place during the months of August and September and is dedicated to the folk deity Baba Ramdev.
The fair attracts a large number of devotees and traders who gather to sell and purchase cattle, particularly camels.
The fair also features cultural performances, religious rituals, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Galiakot Cattle Fair:
The Galiakot Cattle Fair is organized in the town of Galiakot, located in the Dungarpur district of Rajasthan.
It is held in the month of Bhadrapada (August/September) and is associated with the famous shrine of Sayyed Fakhruddin.
Apart from religious activities and rituals, the fair also includes the trading of livestock, particularly camels and cattle.
Visitors can witness camel races, dance performances, and indulge in local delicacies.
Sirohi Cattle Fair:
The Sirohi Cattle Fair is held in Sirohi, a city in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan.
This fair primarily focuses on the trading of livestock, including goats, sheep, and camels. It usually takes place in the months of March and April and attracts farmers and traders from various parts of Rajasthan and neighboring states.
The fair offers a bustling marketplace for livestock trading and also includes cultural events and entertainment.
Shekhawati Cattle Fair: The Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, encompassing districts like Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Churu, is known for its cattle fairs. Numerous small-scale fairs are organized in different towns and villages of Shekhawati, where farmers and traders gather to showcase and trade their livestock. These fairs highlight the importance of cattle farming in the region and provide a platform for agricultural and cultural exchange.
Jodhpur Cattle Fair: Jodhpur, the second-largest city in Rajasthan, also hosts cattle fairs that attract livestock traders and farmers. Although not as large as some of the other fairs mentioned, Jodhpur's cattle fairs provide an opportunity for locals and visitors to witness the trade of cattle, particularly camels and cows. These fairs often coincide with religious festivals or cultural events, adding to the festive spirit.
Major cattle fairs of Rajasthan
1) Pushkar Cattle Fair
Seems to be in Pushkar (Ajmer).
Gir and camel are the major animal breeds.
2) Gomti Sagar Cattle Fair
Seems to be in Jhalrapatan (Jhalawar).
Malvi major cattle breed.
3) Chandrabhaga Cattle Fair
Seems to be in Jhalrapatan (Jhalawar).
Malvi major cattle breed.
4) Mallinath Cattle Fair
Seems to be Tilwara (Barmer).
Tharpar Kar and Kankrej are major cattle breeds.
5) Jaswant Cattle Fair
located in bharatpur
Haryanvi major cattle breed.
6) Chittorgarh Cattle Fair
It is located in Chittorgarh.
Malvi major cattle breed.
7) Gogamedi Cattle Fair
Seems to be in Gogamedi.
Haryanvi main animal fair.
8) Mahashivaratri Cattle Fair
Seems to be in Karauli (Sawai Madhopur).
Haryanvi major cattle breed.
9) Shri Ramdev Cattle Fair
Looks like Nagaur
Nagauri is the main cattle breed.
10) Shri Baldev Cattle Fair
It is located in Merta City (Nagaur).
Nagauri is the main cattle breed.
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