About Shamlaji Fair
Shamlaji is a place in Gujrat 80kms from Ahmedabad renowned for the 11th century temple- Shamlaji Temple, a Vaishnav Shrine. Fairs and festivals that develop round the temple show the b ethnic background of Shamlaji.
Shamlaji Fair is one of the main fairs in Gujrat, India. It is also called Kartik Purnima Fair as it is celebrated on Purnima (full moon) in the month of Kartik. Like other fairs and festivals of Gujrat in India, Shamlaji Fair is also colorful and vibrant and is a unique example of India’s cultural heritage. Shamlaji Fair is a grand extravaganza in Gujrat as all the tribes take part in it.
The Shamlaji Temple is a very famous and worshipped temple which stands on the banks of the river Meshwo, in veneration of Lord Vishnu. A number of devotees gather during the month of November to be a part of this great cultural spectacle called Shamlaji fair that lasts for about three weeks.
Devotees are seen coming on foot, on camel and other means singing and dancing to participate in this fair. Many people are seen carrying flags, banners with their sacred symbols on them. During the Fair one of the main attractions of the devotees lies in taking sacred bathe in the river Meshwo, on the banks of which Shamlaji Temple is situated. They also offer prayers to the deity.
Around 2 lakh tourists attend the fair, especially from Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Fair is extremely significant for the Bhils community among the Adiwasis, as they are faithfully dedicated to Lord Shamlaji who they lovingly refer to as Kaliyo Dev (Dark Divinity). The Shamlaji Fair also becomes an extremely important destination for the trading community as people engage in buying silver ornaments, metal ware, cloth and garments, along with many other annual household items.
History of Shamlaji Fair
There are three legends behind the creation of this temple.
Lord Brahma once went on a journey to find out the best tirtha (sacred site) on the earth. After seeing and visiting a number of places, he came to Shamlaji, which he liked the most and performed penance there for a thousand years. Lord Shiva, pleased with him, asked him to perform a yajna (ritual). At the beginning of the yajna, Lord Vishnu manifested himself in the form of Shamlaji, and was enshrined at this place.
According to the Second story Vishwakarma, the architect of the Gods, constructed this temple in one night, but as it was morning by the time he completed it, he could not take it with him and had to return leaving it here.
Another legend has it, that an Adivasi found the idol of Lord Shamlaji while ploughing his land. He worshipped it by lighting a lamp everyday and was blessed for his faith by having an abundant yield in his farm. Hearing about this, a Vaishnava merchant built the temple and installed the idol therein, which was later beautified by the Idar rulers. Recently, a prominent business family has further renovated this temple.
About Shamlaji Temple
The temple of Shamlaji is situated on the banks of river Meshwo and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Sakshi Gopal or Gadadhar is a black representation of Lord Vishnu, worshipped in this shrine. The river Meshwo is seen splashing water and waving through the valley just below the temple. During the fair and otherwise the waters of the river Meshwo is considered very holy as numbers of devotees take a dip whenever they come here.
The shrine of Shamlaji is believed to be about 500 yrs old and is beautifully crafted. The complete temple is a two stories building that has episodes and teachings of Mahabharata engraved on the outer walls.
Shamlaji Fair Images
Shamlaji Fair Celebration Video
Bhadrapada Ambaji fair will Coming on 30 Saptember 2012 and Gujarati Month Bhadra Full Moon Day in Ambaji Gujarat.
About Bhadrapada Ambaji Fair
Ambaji mandir is one of the most revered and ancient temples in India. There is no deity of the Goddess in the temple but there is a triangle with a sign of Shree in it. This form of Goddess is known as Vishwa yantra. The goddess is also known as Arasuri Ambaji, for the temple is situated near the Arasur hills.Ambaji mandir is one of the 51 Shakti Peetas in India. It is said that when Sati was cut into pieces by Sudarshan chakra, her heart fell in Ambaji village. In another legend it is described that Lord Krishna had His tonsorial ceremony in this village.Bhadrapada Ambaji Fair is a multicultural fair where not only Hindus but people from all religions take active participation. The fair organised at one of the most ancient and revered temples in India ie: temple of goddess Ambaji.From over the recent years, the fair becomes very popular hence around lakhs of devotees come from all over the India even from abroad. Chanting holy mantras,stotras, rituals,special pooja and other different ceremonies conducted inside the temple. Cultural programs like folk performances of Bhavai,Garba dance and many other cultural programs draw full attention of the visitors.Bhadrapada Ambaji fair is held every year in August-September at Ambaji. It corresponds to Hindu month of Bhadrapada. This fair is specifically more important to farmers as it symbolizes the end of busy monsoon season for them.
Celebration Bhadrapada Ambaji Fair
Ambaji fair is annual festival of the temple. Lakhs of devotees come from all over India and abroad. Several rituals and poojas are conducted on the day like chanting holy mantras and stotras. Devi saptashati, a prayer of 700 verses is recited in the temple. Several cultural programs are held among which “Bhavai”, a folk drama of Gujarat draws full attention of the visitors. Garba dance and other cultural events make the celebrations very special.
Ambaji fair is a multicultural fair. Over years it is becoming more and more popular. Not only the Hindus, but Jains and Sikhs attend the mela with great enthusiasm. It has become a place of many traditions and religions. Farmers celebrate the festival with great fervor as the month marks end of busy monsoon season for them. They come and pray for better yield for the year.
Bhadrapada Ambaji Fair Images(Ambamata Images)
Bhadrapada Ambaji Fair Video
About Bhavnath fair
The Bhavnath Fair is a religious festival held for 5 days every year starting at midnight on the Hindu festival of MahaShivaratri. In 2012, the date of the fair that is decided as per the Hindu Samvatsari calendar falls on 20 February. The Bhavnath fair is held at the ancient Bhavnath Mahadev Temple located at the village of Girnar Taleti, which is about 8 km from the town of Junagadh in Gujarat.
The fair has its origins in the myth that Lord Shiva performs his cosmic dance of destruction ‘ Tandava’ on Maha Shivratri. As per the story, The Lord visits the Bhavnath Temple at midnight in his invisible form accompanied by his attendants. To appease the God, a grand Puja is conducted, and a religious procession winds its way around the Girnar hillock.The fair is being popularised on the lines of the Kumbh Mela as a celebration of the mystical Naga sadhus. The Bhavnath fair attracts many foreign visitors who wish to photograph the revelry of Naga Sadhus. The local visitors from Gujarat and surrounding areas are clad in their traditional finery and provide great photo opportunities. The stalls at the fair venue sell trinkets and handicrafts. Displays of traditional dance, music and the Bhavai theatre performances provide a glimpse into the culture of this region. Special stalls at the venue peddle rosaries and idols of religious figures. Those religiously inclined can join in the circumambulation of the Girnar hillock.
History of Bhavnath fair
The Bhavnath Mahadev temple is a shrine ensconced in myths and legends of the Puranic era. The Shiva linga here is said to have emerged of its own divine intention. Reportedly, when Shiva and Parvati were traveling over the Girnar Hills their divine garment fell over the present Mrigi Kund, making this place an auspicious site for Shiva worshippers. Even today, the naga bavas are known to bathe in the holy Mrigi Kund before joining the Mahashivaratri procession. The fair itself is so ancient that its precise origins are unknown.
How to Rich Bhavnath fair
By rail
Arrive at Junagadh
Railway station.
Bhavnath fair Images
Bhavnath fair Video
Vautha Fair is Celebrated on Dev diwali full moon Night(Kartik Purnima) of Kartik Month and English Month of 28-29 November 2012 in Vautha Gujarat.
About Vautha Fair
Vautha Fair is the largest animal fair held in Gujarat, which involves wholesome trading of Camels, Donkeys and other animals. Held on the grounds of Sangam Tirtha, it is considered very auspicious and important by many communities.
For some people this fair is more important than Diwali also. Sangam is considered as holy as seven holy rivers mix waters here: the Vatrak merges with the Meshwo, Hathmati, Shedhi, Majum and Khari before it then meets the Sabarmati, so the locals call it saptasangam (meeting of seven).
For participation in the fair people are seen coming on trucks, tractors, camels, jeeps and other wide ranging means of transport. The animals bought for trading are beautifully decorated, ornamented and cleaned to look at their best.
This fair is held every year at Vautha, where two rivers, the Sabarmati and the Vatrak meet. Vautha fair site is also known as Saptasangam as it is at the confluence of seven rivers. Legends specify that Lord Kartik or Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, visited the site. Kartik, popularly known as Muruga, is the commander of the army of the Devas. The fair is dedicated to Kartikeya and is held during Kartika Purnima, the full moon night of the Gujarati month of Kartik (October – November). The most important Shiva temple here is the temple of Siddhanath.
History of Vautha Fair
The Vautha Fair is the very big Animals fair held in Gujarat,india. which was involve wholesome some trading of the Camels or Donkeys and other animals.this festival grounds of Sangam Tirth.so it is considere by very auspicious or important by many communities. vautha fair festival to celebrated on the month Kartik of Hindu calendar. which falls on the November month and continues for 5 days.The Vautha ka Mela takes place near the confluence of seven rivers. The mela or fair is an important contributor to the rural economy of Gujarat. The fair is named after Vautha where the rivers Vatrak and Sabarmati meet.the fair holds of mythological as well as economical in importance to the state. The vautha fair grounds spread across 3 or 4 square miles of land. It is believed by the locals that Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva had visited the place. This incident gave rise to the festivities of the mela. This place is the homeland of Saptarshi (Seven Sages). It is regarded as an auspicious spot with legendary significance.This place is the homeland of Saptarshi (Seven Sages). It is regarded as an auspicious spot with legendary significance
According to the Hindu mythology, Kartikeya the son of Lord Shiva visited this place on the full moon night of Kartik (Kartik Purnima). Kartikeya was on a trip covering the entire earth. It was on Kartik Purnima that he stopped at this culmination of rivers and performed some austerities. Also the city of Dholka in the Ahmedabad district is considered to be the‘Virata Nagar’ of the Mahabharata where the Pandavas spent the last year of their exile in disguise.
Celebration Vautha Fair
Vautha Fair is Large Celebration in Vautha Gujarat on Dev Diwali.Thousands of people and visitors visit Sangam during the month of kartik and especially during the Vautha Fair. The most important religious act performed by numerous devoteescoming here is the purifying bath on the Sangam tirtha which is supposed to be reliever of all past sins.
All people from nearby villages and districts lock their houses and come to attend the fair which lasts for about five days. A number of tents are erected that are used by visitors of the fair to accommodate. Nearly 25,000 people house in about 2000 tents every year and enjoy the grand spectacle of the Vautha fair.
Visitors are seen preparing elaborate sweets and food dishes throughout the five days of fair. The fair generally ends with the preparation of Ladoos and the most popular and appreciated dishes are khichu and kachariyu.
One of the most significant features of the fair is the trading of animals. Numbers of merchants are seen selling a wide variety of products right from trinkets to machinery. In the evenings, numerous small lamps are set afloat in the river by devout pilgrims, producing a shimmering dance of faith and beauty.
Vautha Fair Images
List of Gujarat festivals
Gujarat is a State of many Festivals.Festivals of Gujarat are extremely colorful and elaborate. The most colorful and popular festival is Navratri celebrated throughout nine nights in the month of October. People of all age groups assemble in temple compounds and sing and dance till the wee hours in he morning.
Holi