The state of Uttar Pradesh is popular for its rich spiritual legacy with the series of religious festivals celebrated across the state. The long list of festivals and fairs of the state includes the Bateshwar Fair on top of the list. The well-known Bateshwar fair is held at Bateshwar, the spiritual and cultural center of the state.
Bateshwar derives its name from Bateshwar Mahadev, a form of Lord Shiva. According to legend, the area is blessed by Lord Shiva himself, and the temples dedicated to him are believed to have divine powers.
It is said that Lord Shiva, pleased with the devotion of his followers, established his abode at Bateshwar, making it a sacred pilgrimage site.
Bateshwar is located at a distance of 70 km. from Agra on the banks of river Yamuna. The place is named after the presiding divine being of the place Bateshwar Mahadeo and has 108 temples, dedicated to the divine deities of the Hindu pantheon.
The Bateshwar Fair is of great importance in the Hindu religion. The fair is held in the month of Karthik which is considered very auspicious and sacred in the Hindu religion. A large number of devotees flock towards the place to take a holy dip in Yamuna, worship Lord Shiva, and witness the grand Bateshwar Fair.
Bateshwar Fair is a proverbial cattle fair that is organized with lots of fanfare where people either sell or purchase livestock. The fair includes the market of large numbers of camels, horses, oxen, elephants, goats, and other cattle. There are lots of shops for visitors other than animal markets like different shops offering a variety of products from furniture, handicrafts, and cosmetics to traditional cooking utensils and spices. The fair attracts not only locals but also tourists from different parts of India and abroad.
It provides a glimpse into rural Indian life and traditional practices, making it a rich cultural experience for visitors. The fair is held on the banks of the Yamuna River, which holds significant spiritual importance. According to Hindu mythology, taking a holy dip in the Yamuna during the fair is believed to purify one's soul and absolve sins. The Yamuna is considered a goddess and is worshipped along with the rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The fair is organized by the local administration with support from the state government. Proper arrangements are made for accommodation, sanitation, and security to ensure the smooth functioning of the fair.
The Bateshwar livestock fair is organized for 3 weeks. The first two weeks mark the cattle fair which begins with the market of cows, oxen, camels, and horses and ends with the market of donkeys and goats. The third week holds a market of different household products and rides for the complete entertainment of visitors to the fair. The Bateshwar Fair presents a colorful glimpse of the rural life of India in a true sense.
Some stories link Bateshwar to the epic of the Mahabharata. It is believed that the Pandavas, during their exile, visited Bateshwar and worshipped Lord Shiva here. This connection adds to the sacredness of the place for devotees. Another legend speaks of the miraculous healing powers of the waters of the Yamuna and the blessings of Bateshwar Mahadev. Devotees believe that ailments and sufferings can be cured through prayer and taking a dip in the holy river during the fair.
Over centuries, Bateshwar has been a site for many ascetic saints and sages who performed severe penance and meditation. Their presence and spiritual energy are believed to have sanctified the place, making it a powerful spot for spiritual practices.
Time for celebration
Bateshwar Fair is celebrated with a great deal of ardor and enthusiasm. Bateshwar Fair starts from Shashti in the month of Kartik and ends on Panchami in the month of Agrahayan. According to Gregorian calendar, the fair falls in October and November.
बटेश्वर मेले का इतिहास और रोचक जानकारियां हिंदी में पढ़िये, क्लिक करें