Baneshwar Fair

Rajasthan attracts a large number of tourists with its rich tradition and heritage. The festivals and fairs of Rajasthan are the major highlights of its glorious culture.

Baneshwar fair is one such festival. The term “Baneshwar” means the “God of the Delta”. This is actually a name given to Shiva Linga. It is organized at a small delta formed by river Som and Mahi. The duration stretches from Maghi Shukla Ekadashi to Maghi Shukla Purnima and covers Shivaratri.

The fair is celebrated to honor Lord Shiva or Baneshwar Mahadev, and to mark the construction of the Vishnu Temple by, Jankunwari, a respected saint, who was considered to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu.

The Baneshwar Fair is primarily a tribal fair that comprises of Bhils. Local residents of the districts of Banswara, Udaipur and Dungarpur assemble in large numbers in the fair. They sing traditional folk songs with joy and mirth.

A bonfire is lighted every night and performances of folk dances, songs, animal shows, magic shows and acrobatic feats follow.

The Baneshwar Fair goes on for a period of four days. A large number of shops and kiosks display various handicraft items. Tourists make enthusiastic purchases. A large number of tourists visit Dungarpur to experience the ambience of this fair.

Have you ever visited this fair?