Gogamedi Fair 2024 - August/September

India is a land of celebrations. Rarely will you come across lively people across the globe that worship animals and sing hymns in their praise. However, India is an exception and you will find such people in Gogamedi. Gogamedi is located in district of Hanumangarh and is located some 395 km from the capital city of Jaipur in Rajasthan.

The Gogamedi Fair is an annual event held in the village of Gogamedi in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan, India. The fair is organized in honor of Gogaji, a popular folk deity in Rajasthan, who is revered as a protector against snakes and a guardian of cattle.

Key Features of the Gogamedi Fair:

1. Timing: The fair usually takes place in August or September, coinciding with the Goga Navami festival, which is the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadrapada according to the Hindu calendar.

2. Significance: Gogaji, also known as Jahar Veer Gogaji, is believed to have supernatural powers and is worshipped by people of various communities, including Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. The fair attracts devotees who come to pay their respects at the Gogaji Temple, where his samadhi (final resting place) is located.

3. Activities:

   • Religious Ceremonies: Devotees offer prayers, perform rituals, and participate in processions.
   • Cultural Programs: The fair features folk music, dance performances, and traditional entertainment.
   • Market Stalls: A variety of stalls selling handicrafts, local goods, food, and sweets are set up, making it a lively marketplace.

4. Pilgrimage: People from Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and other nearby states undertake a pilgrimage to the Gogaji Temple during this time. Many pilgrims walk barefoot, chanting prayers and singing hymns dedicated to Gogaji.

Gogamedi fair is celebrated in honor of Serpent God and the celebrations begin on Goga Navmi. The festival is usually held in the month of August - September every year. The festivities are dedicated to Goga Ji Maharaja and are observed with full religious devotion.

Celebrations on Gogamedi Fair

The Gogamedi Fair is not just a religious gathering but also a vibrant cultural celebration, reflecting the rich traditions and customs of Rajasthan. Here's how the celebration unfolds:

Celebration Highlights of the Gogamedi Fair:

Devotional Activities:
Processions: Devotees, often dressed in traditional attire, participate in grand processions. They carry flags, banners, and images of Gogaji while chanting devotional songs. The atmosphere is charged with spiritual energy as the processions make their way to the Gogaji Temple.
Offerings and Rituals: Devotees offer milk, sweets, and flowers at the temple. Some pilgrims also offer snake-shaped idols or earthen lamps, symbolizing Gogaji's role as a protector against snakes.

Folk Performances:
Music and Dance: Folk artists from across Rajasthan come to perform at the fair. The performances include traditional Rajasthani music, Bhajans (devotional songs), and dance forms like Ghoomar. These performances are not only a tribute to Gogaji but also a showcase of the region's cultural heritage.
Puppet Shows and Storytelling: Traditional puppet shows and storytelling sessions narrate the legend of Gogaji, highlighting his bravery, miracles, and the folklore associated with him. These performances are popular among both children and adults.

Market and Fairground:
Stalls and Shops: The fairground is filled with stalls selling a wide variety of items, including handicrafts, traditional Rajasthani attire, jewelry, and religious artifacts. Food stalls offer local delicacies, sweets, and snacks, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Amusement Rides: The fair also features amusement rides and games, making it a fun experience for families and children.

Pilgrimage and Spirituality:
Walking Pilgrimage: Many devotees undertake a long journey on foot to reach the Gogaji Temple, considering it a form of penance or devotion. The journey itself is a significant aspect of the celebration, with pilgrims often walking for days, chanting prayers along the way.
Night Vigil (Jagran): A night vigil, known as Jagran, is held where devotees stay awake all night singing devotional songs and hymns in praise of Gogaji. This is a time of intense spiritual fervor and communal bonding.

Communal Harmony:
The Gogamedi Fair is unique in its ability to bring together people from different religious backgrounds. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and people from other communities participate in the fair, reflecting the inclusive nature of Gogaji's worship.

The Relevance of Goga Ji Maharaja

The temple of Goga Ji Maharaja holds special significance for the devotees, be they Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian. Devotees dressed in yellow clothes come over to the fair from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. These devotees are referred by the name of Purbiyae in local language. Devotees come along dancing and chanting hymns about the legends of Goga Ji Maharaja and some of them bring snakes along with them. Devotees seek blessings from Goga Ji Maharaja during the Gogamedi fair and are blessed with their long-cherished wishes.

Gogamedi is a popular fair in Rajasthan and is considered to be a major animal fair in the region. Merchants dealing in animal trade come over to the village during the fair and trading of animals like Camel is done during the fair.

Goga Ji Maharaja was a revered King who was especially popular for his love and devotion towards cows. The devotion with which Goga Ji Maharaja served the cows enabled him to earn the title of Goga Ji. He constructed seven big cowsheds in his kingdom and the cowsheds housed over seven thousand cows.

Legend Behind Being Named Goga Ji

Goga Ji Maharaja was a popular Chauhan clan King in Rajasthan. His original name was Jaharveer. His brothers Archan and Sarchon were bad intentioned men and desired to kill Jaharveer after kidnapping his wife Shreeyal. Jaharveer got to know about the intention of his brothers and killed them. Jarahveer’s mother Banchal could not bear this and directed the King to leave the Kingdom. Thereafter Jaharveer left the Palace and started living in a forest. However, he continued to meet his wife secretly.

Eventually his mother got to know about the meetings among the king and his wife. Jaharveer could not face his mother for disobeying her command of not coming to the palace ever again. He therefore got himself engraved in the ground along with his horse at Gogamedi.

The fair is celebrated ever since as a mark of the brave Chauhan King.

Gogamedi Fair Videos