Fairs of Gujarat

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Gujarat is a famous for its fairs and expositions with around 3500 being in its pocket. The fairs are a symbol of coming together of culture, religion, customs, ethics and values.

Amba Ji Fair on Bhadra Purnima
Ambaji is one of the twelve Shakti Pithas, of goddess Shakti. The full moon of Bhadrapad month is an important festival when agriculturists and general public visit the temple in large number. In the evening performances of Bhavai and garba programmes are held. The devotees attend recital of the Saptashati verses in praise of the goddess.

Vautha Mela
Vautha fair is organized every year at Vautha, at the confluence of two rivers, Sabarmati and Vatrak. It is considered one of the largest fairs in Gujarat. The population of the village Vautha grows from 2000 to 200000 during the fair. Legends hold that Kartikaya son of Lord Shiva visited here. Another story is that seven sages called Saptarishi used to live here.

Bhavnath Fair
Bhavnath fair is held on Mahashivratri, at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple. On the 14th day of the dark half of the month of Magh, when worship starts, naked sages living nearby move towards the fair seated on the elephants, holding flags, and blowing conch shells.

Organizers serve free meals to the visitors. Visitors can buy idols, utensils of brass and copper, sweets and fruits.

Shamla Ji Mela
Shamla Ji Mela is also called Kartik Purnima Fair because it is held during the month Kartik every year. The fair lasts for two weeks.

The Shamlaji Temple is a famous Vaishnav shrine built in the 11th century. Darshan of the deity is followed by a bath in the river Meshwo. Visitors come in groups, sing spiritual songs, and carry religious banners.

Other important fairs of the state are Trinetar fair, Vichitra Fair, Somnath Fair, Gadadhar Fair and Gokulasthami fair.

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