Baneshwar Fair 2024 - Feb 20 (Tuesday) - Feb 24 (Saturday)

Baneshwar Fair is a five days event starting from Shukla ekadeshi of Magh month, as per the Hindu calendar. This is the unique and biggest tribal fair of the country that attracts lakhs of devotees. This fair is annually held in Dungarpur, Rajasthan. The name Baneshwar is derived from the holy Shiva Linga located in the Shiv temple in Dungarpur. ‘Baneshwar’ in the local language Vagdi means ‘master of delta’.

The fair is organised at the delta formed by rivers- Mahi and Som. The fair continues till Shukla Purnima of Magh. Baneshwar is situated 24 kms away from Aspur, which is in the Dungarpur district.

The Baneshwar fair is a combination of two fairs. One fair is organised to pay tribute to the Lord Shiva, known as Baneshwar Mahadev. And the other fair is held to celebrate the completion of the construction work for the Vishnu temple by Jankunwar, the daughter-in-law of Saint Mavji.

The priest or Mathadish arrives in a massive procession to the fair site from Sabha and takes a dip into the river. Then aarti of the Mathadish is performed and Raslila are reenacted at the night in the Lakshmi Narayana temple.

Bhils or tribal people from Dungarpur, Udaipur and Banswara constitute the major part of the gathering. The fair is very famous and is organised at a very large level. The pran-pratishtha ceremony of the idols to the temple was performed on magh Shukla Ekadashi. Since then a fair is organized every year to celebrate this auspicious event.

Key Highlights of Baneshwar Fair

1. Religious Significance: The fair is primarily a religious event for the Bhil tribe, who gather to worship Lord Shiva in the form of Baneshwar Mahadev. The name "Baneshwar" is derived from the revered Shiva Linga in the temple.

2. Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform a variety of rituals during the fair, including immersing ashes of the dead in the rivers and offering prayers to deities. Special prayers and rituals are also conducted in the Baneshwar Mahadev temple.

3. Cultural Events: The fair features traditional folk music, dance performances, and various cultural activities that showcase the rich heritage of the Bhil community. Traditional Bhil dances like the Gair and Ghoomar are performed.

4. Marketplace: A vibrant market is set up where traders from different regions sell a variety of goods, including handicrafts, clothes, and household items. This marketplace becomes a hub of activity and commerce.

5. Attraction for Tourists: The fair attracts tourists and visitors from various parts of India and abroad who are interested in experiencing the unique cultural and religious aspects of the Bhil tribe.

Religious Significance

• Worship of Baneshwar Mahadev: The fair centers around the worship of Baneshwar Mahadev, a form of Lord Shiva. The temple at Baneshwar is a major pilgrimage site for the Bhil tribe and other devotees.
• Rituals and Offerings: Devotees perform rituals like immersing ashes in the river, offering prayers, and making offerings to the deities. These practices are believed to purify the soul and bring blessings.
• Commemoration of Saints: The fair also honors Saint Mavji, a revered figure among the Bhils, who is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. His teachings and life are celebrated during the fair.

Baneshwar Fair, Durgapur Videos