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| MALLINATH
FAIR, TILWARA |
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| Location :
Tilwara, Barmer Distt., Rajasthan. |
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| Feature :
Cattle Fair |
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| Time of the
festivity :
March - April |
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| Mallinath Fair is one of the
biggest cattle fairs of Rajasthan held annually near Tilwara, a village in
Barmer District from Chaitra Budi Ekadashi to Chaitra Sudi Ekadashi
(March-April). It lasts for a fortnight wherein the highly popular breeds of
cows, camels, sheep, goats and horses attract people not only from Rajasthan
but also Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. People of all castes and creeds
participate freely in the fair. |
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| The fair is believed to have originated from
transactions, which took place among admirers of Rawal Mallinath, a local hero,
who used to travel to Tilwara on well-bred animals to meet him. A shrine
dedicated to Mallinathji is located here and people make offerings of
'batashas' and 'laddoos'. When their wishes are fulfilled, they offer miniature
horses at the shrine. Traders from Mathura, Agra and Aligarh bring horses made
of wood, brass and bronze to sell at the fair. |
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| On the opening day of the fair,
the flag of Rawal Mallinathji is hoisted to the accompaniment of songs
extolling his greatness. |
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| RACES |
| Bullock, camel and horse races are
organised at the fair and thorough bred animals compete against each other on
the dry river bed. The prize-winning animals sport white badges on their heads
and command high prices at the fair. |
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| Apart from shops selling normal
utility items and agricultural implements, there is a separate market for
fodder at the fair. |
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