Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair

The Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair at Tarnetar, near the industrial town of Thangandh, Saurashtra, is a popular fair of Gujarat. It is believed that the fair is held in this historic site since ages.

The fair has a legend linked with Draupadi’s swayamvar and it is believed that it was at this place that the great archer Arjuna performed the challenging task that won him Draupadi.

The present day tribal youth visit Tarnetar to find a suitable match. They dress elegantly and hold large, colorful embroidered umbrellas, which have almost become symbols of this fair. They put on headcloth twisted at an angle on their heads.

The Trinetreshwar Mahadev Mela is also known as the Tarnetar Fair. The fair revolves round the holy temple of “Trinetreshwar”.

This fair begins in the Bhadarva Sud – 4^th, 5^th and 6^th and is presently visited by more than one lakh people belonging to different tribes like Koli, Bharwads, Charans, Kathi, Rabri and other castes.

Enthusiasts gather here to take part in this fair with an unbiased spirit. The fair is filled with fun and excitement.

Pilgrims have been visiting Tarnetar for years. They visit the temple and take holy dips in the auspicious KUND adjacent to the temple.

Have you ever visited this fair?

Matchmaking is a prominent feature of Tarnetar. Umbrellas are embroidered by, the young men, for over a year. These umbrellas as well as their hairstyles project their bachelor status.

Before the fair is over, most of the young men find the lady of their choice. Tarnetar’s association with Mahabharat is underlined by the fact that the area is known as Panchal Pradesh, the land of the Panchal king, to which Draupadi belonged. The reddish sand of this region is believed to have been a characteristic of Draupadi’s homeland.

Do you know other interesting stories related to Tarnetar? Can you share something more about this fair with us?