The Nagaur Fair, also known as the Nagaur Cattle Fair, is one of the largest cattle fairs in India. It takes place annually in Nagaur, Rajasthan, usually in late January or early February, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar.
Key Highlights:
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Cattle Trade: The fair is primarily a cattle trading event where thousands of animals, including camels, horses, and bullocks, are bought and sold. Traders from all over Rajasthan and neighboring states participate.
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Cultural Performances: The fair is not just about trading; it also features cultural performances, including traditional folk music, dances, and storytelling, which showcase the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
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Local Crafts and Cuisine: Visitors can explore a variety of local crafts, textiles, and jewelry at the fair. Traditional Rajasthani cuisine is also a significant attraction.
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Sports and Competitions: The fair includes various competitions, such as camel races, tug-of-war, and turban tying, which add to the festive atmosphere.
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Religious and Spiritual Significance: The fair is held in honor of Saint Ramdeoji, a local deity, and many pilgrims visit the fair to pay their respects.
The Nagaur Fair is held in the month of January-February every year and continues for four days starting on Magh Shukla Saptami. Every year about 70,000 bullocks, camels, and horses are bought and sold at this fair.
Nagaur district is the land of fairs. They are not only a hub to sell and buy cattle but also show the true spirit of living life. The rural people take on these fairs as big social events; thus participate in these fairs very eagerly with great enthusiasm. In addition to the cattle things that are of routine use, from needles to nails, are available in these events. Fairs witness social solid harmony and are seen as the true expression of rustic rural Rajasthan.
The site of the Marwar Festival, Jodhpur is also called the Blue city of Rajasthan and the place is a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan. The city is easily accessible by all means of transportation.
Time of Celebration
The Nagaur Fair is typically celebrated in late January or early February. The exact dates vary each year, as they are determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The fair usually lasts for about four to five days.
Celebrations
To reach Jodhpur, Rajasthan, you have several options depending on your starting point and preferred mode of travel. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ways to get to Jodhpur:
1. By Air:
- Jodhpur Airport (IXJ): Jodhpur has its own domestic airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India. You can book a flight from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, or Bangalore to Jodhpur. The airport is about 5 kilometers from the city center.
- Airlines: Major airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet operate flights to Jodhpur.
2. By Train:
- Jodhpur Railway Station: Jodhpur is well-connected by rail to various parts of India. The Jodhpur Railway Station is a major junction with regular trains from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
- Types of Trains: You can choose from a range of trains, including express, superfast, and luxury trains. Some popular trains include the Jodhpur Express, Mumbai-Jodhpur Express, and the Rajasthan Sampark Kranti Express.
3. By Road:
- By Bus: Jodhpur is accessible by road from nearby cities. Several state-run and private bus services operate between Jodhpur and cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Delhi. You can choose from regular, deluxe, or luxury buses.
- By Car: If you prefer to drive, Jodhpur is connected by well-maintained highways. The city is about 335 kilometers from Jaipur (approximately 6-7 hours by road), 250 kilometers from Udaipur, and 800 kilometers from Delhi. You can use national highways like NH62 and NH65 for your journey.
4. By Taxi:
- Private Taxis: You can hire a private taxi from nearby cities or airports to reach Jodhpur. This can be a comfortable option if you prefer a more personalized travel experience.
5. By Bike:
- Motorbike Rentals: For the adventurous, renting a motorbike and traveling to Jodhpur can be an exciting way to explore the region.
Travel Tips:
- Advance Booking: For flights, trains, and buses, it’s advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons or festival times.
- Local Transport: Once in Jodhpur, you can use local transportation options like auto-rickshaws, taxis, or car rentals to get around the city.
Read in hindi नागौर पशु मेला