During the time of the fair, a large number of devotees gather at the temple to offer their prayers and make offerings to all the deities. The priest, known as the Mathadish, arrives at the fairgrounds from Sabha in a grand procession, accompanied by the statue of Mavji seated on a horseback.
The Mathadish and the statue of Mavji are then ceremonially bathed in the river. This river water is considered extremely holy and auspicious, and devotees also take a dip in it with deep faith. It is believed that bathing in this sacred water purifies the soul and washes away all sins, bringing spiritual cleansing and blessings.
1. Holy Bath at the Triveni Sangam
Devotees take a holy dip where the Som, Mahi, and Jakham rivers meet, known as the triveni sangam.
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This ritual is performed early in the day, especially on Magh Purnima (the main fair day).
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Pilgrims believe that bathing in these sacred waters purifies the body and soul and helps wash away sins.
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Many also perform tarpan (offerings of water) and ash immersion for deceased ancestors, a custom believed to aid the departed in attaining peace.
2. Procession of the Mahant and Mavji’s Statue
At the beginning of the fair or on main ritual days:
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The Mahant (head priest) comes from Sabla with a procession carrying the statue or representation of Saint Mavji on horseback.
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This procession proceeds to Beneshwar Dham and often includes ritual bathing of the statue in the river.
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The river water is considered sacred after this bath, and other devotees follow by bathing themselves.
3. Temple Worship and Offerings
Throughout the fair, prayers and rituals are conducted in the temples near the fairground:
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Baneshwar Mahadev (Shiva) temple is open from early morning until late evening.
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The Shiva Linga is ceremonially bathed, first with water and later with saffron, incense, and other offerings.
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Devotees bring traditional offerings like wheat flour, pulses, rice, jaggery, ghee, salt, chillies, coconut, and cash to present at the shrines.
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Daily aarti (light worship) ceremonies are performed with clanging bells and incense.
4. Daily Aarti and Worship Schedules
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Special prayers are offered five times a day at the temples dedicated to Brahma and Lakshmi-Narayana, in addition to the Shiva temple rituals.
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These prayers include chanting, lighting lamps, and offering devotional items in a structured sequence throughout the day.
5. Nighttime Devotional Singing and Tribal Gathering
In the evenings, the festival atmosphere becomes communal and cultural:
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Groups of villagers and tribal participants gather around bonfires and sing traditional folk songs with spirited voices.
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Devotional songs often reflect stories of Saint Mavji and local mythologies.
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At night, Raslila (devotional enactments) and other cultural presentations may take place, especially in temples like the Lakshmi-Narayana shrine.
6. Tribal Folk Celebrations
The fair also highlights the cultural traditions of the Bhil and other tribal communities:
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Traditional folk dances such as Gair and Gavari, along with music performances, are part of the festival atmosphere.
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People dress in colourful tribal attire, and communal singing and dancing continue with energy and joy around festival fields.
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Children and families join in folk celebrations, helping sustain cultural practices through communal participation.
7. Cultural and Recreational Activities
Alongside the strictly religious rituals, the fair also includes common festive elements:
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Magic shows, animal displays, acrobatic feats, swings, and merry-go-rounds are set up to entertain visitors.
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A temporary fairground market offers tribal handicrafts, household items, farming tools, clothing, and decorative goods.
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These additions provide a celebratory environment for families and visitors.