Chitra-Vichitra Mela

Chitra-Vichitra Mela is a tribal fair. It takes place in the Gumbhakhari village, which belongs to the Sabarkantha district. The village is situated almost on the common border of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The fair is held near a temple that overlooks the rivers Sabarmati, Aakar and Vakar.

This fair is very popular among the tribes of Gujarat. A large crowd of Bhils, from the surrounding regions, visits the fair for the celebration of the spring event, just fourteen days after Holi.

There is an exciting story behind the Chitra-Vichitra Mela. The historical relevance of this Mela dates back to the Mahabharat era.

Does anybody know the story?

Yes, I know the story. There were two sons of Shantanu. They were named Chitraveer and Vichitraveer. Both of them intended to repent for the sins they had committed. A saint advised them to find a place where the confluence of three rivers as well as a Shiva shrine is located. The brothers began their search and came to this place, which is now known as Chitra-Vichitra.

They immolated themselves here in order to practice penance. The Chitra-Vichitra fair is organized here since then to pay homage to the memory of the two princes. The tribes celebrate the fair every year at the meeting point of the rivers Sabarmati, Aakar and Vakar.

The Chitra-Vichitra Mela commences on the eve of the no-moon-day that follows Holi. The tribal people gather on this night along the banks of the river and mourn for their departed dear ones. They also sing pensive songs and offer sacrifices. Finally they take a bath in the river.

The mood is completely altered in the morning. People are in a festive and joyous mood. The fair becomes colorful due to the vibrant traditional clothes of the Garasias and Bhils. The Garasia women dress in bright red, blue and green sarees or ghagras. They also adorn themselves in heavy silver ornaments like anklets, neckpieces and earrings.

The Garasia girls adorn themselves with kajal, lipstick and blush-on. Men wear dhotis, blue shirts and red or saffron turbans.
The Bhils dress well but wear minimum ornaments.
Around 70,000 tribal people participate in this fair. Women sing folk songs while men beat drums. Everybody dance is merriment till they are exhausted.
Stalls sell food, refreshments, sweets and drinks and are crowded with buyers. Various household items and beautiful silver jewelry can be bought from here.
Children enjoy in merry-go-rounds and giant wheels.

Chitra-Vichitra Mela is also famous as a betrothal ground for tribal youth. Young people attend this fair to look for a suitable match for themselves.