There is also a belief associated with this place that Lakshman has shot an arrow that resulted in a spring of water, thus, people consider the water of the tanks and kunds of this place extremely holy.
The Sitabari Fair is a vibrant and culturally rich event held in the town of Kelwara in the Baran district of Rajasthan, India. This fair is one of the most significant in the region and is deeply rooted in religious traditions, particularly among the tribal communities.
Key Highlights of Sitabari Fair:
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Religious Significance:
- The fair is associated with the epic Ramayana and is believed to be the place where Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, lived after being abandoned by him. It is said that she gave birth to her twin sons, Luv and Kush, here.
- The Sitabari temple, dedicated to Sita, is a central place of worship during the fair.
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Timing:
- The Sitabari Fair typically takes place in May and June, during the time of Jyeshtha Amavasya (the new moon day of the Jyeshtha month according to the Hindu calendar).
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Activities and Attractions:
- The fair includes a wide array of traditional activities, including cattle trading, which is a major attraction for local farmers.
- Devotees take ritual baths in the sacred Kunds (tanks) at the site, such as the Sita Kund, Lakshman Kund, and Suraj Kund.
- Folk performances, puppet shows, traditional Rajasthani music, and dance are prominent features of the fair.
- There are numerous stalls selling traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, jewelry, and local delicacies.
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Cultural Significance:
- The fair is an important gathering for the local tribal communities, particularly the Saharia tribe, who participate actively in the rituals and festivities.
The Sitabari Fair has a deep historical and religious background tied to Hindu mythology, particularly the Ramayana. Here's a look at its history:
Historical Background of Sitabari Fair:
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Mythological Origins:
- The origins of the Sitabari Fair are deeply intertwined with the story of Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, from the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to legend, after Sita was exiled by Lord Rama, she sought refuge in a forest, where she eventually gave birth to her twin sons, Luv and Kush.
- The place where Sita stayed, believed to be the present-day Sitabari, became sacred. The Kunds (sacred ponds) like Sita Kund, Lakshman Kund, and Suraj Kund, which are central to the fair, are believed to have been created during this period.
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Establishment of the Fair:
- Over time, Sitabari became an important pilgrimage site, especially for the local tribal communities, who revered the area for its connection to Sita.
- The fair itself likely began as a small gathering of local devotees, who would come to worship at the temple and bathe in the sacred ponds. Over the centuries, it grew into a major regional event.
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Cultural Integration:
- The fair has played a significant role in the cultural life of the Saharia tribe and other local communities. It became a place not just for religious activities but also for social and economic exchange.
- The practice of cattle trading at the fair can be traced back to its early days, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle of the region's people.
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Colonial and Post-Independence Period:
- During the British colonial period, the fair continued to flourish, with the colonial authorities largely allowing local customs and religious practices to persist.
- After India's independence, the Sitabari Fair continued to be a significant cultural event in Rajasthan, drawing larger crowds and becoming more organized, with the government playing a role in promoting it as a tourist attraction.
Holy places:
The Sitabari Fair is centered around several holy places that are of great religious significance to the devotees. These places are associated with the legend of Sita and the Ramayana. Here are the key holy places at Sitabari:1. Sita Kund
Significance: Sita Kund is the most important and sacred place in Sitabari. It is believed that Sita used this pond during her stay in the forest. Pilgrims take a holy dip in this kund to cleanse themselves of sins and seek blessings.
Rituals: Bathing in Sita Kund is a central ritual during the Sitabari Fair, and it is believed to have purifying effects.
2. Lakshman Kund
Significance: Named after Lakshman, Lord Rama's brother, this kund is believed to have been used by Lakshman during their time in the forest. It holds religious importance for devotees, who believe that bathing here brings good fortune and health.
Rituals: Devotees offer prayers and take a dip in this pond, especially during the fair.
3. Suraj Kund
Significance: Suraj Kund is another sacred pond in Sitabari, dedicated to the Sun God. It is believed that taking a bath here can cure skin diseases and bring prosperity.
Rituals: The kund is especially popular among those seeking to improve their health and well-being.
4. Bharat Kund
Significance: Named after Bharat, the brother of Lord Rama, this kund is considered holy and is part of the ritualistic bathing performed by devotees.
Rituals: Like the other kunds, it is visited by pilgrims who take a dip during the fair.
5. Hanuman Temple
Significance: There is a temple dedicated to Hanuman near the Sitabari area. Hanuman is a revered figure in the Ramayana, known for his devotion to Lord Rama and Sita. This temple is an important place of worship during the fair.
Rituals: Devotees offer prayers and perform rituals to seek Hanuman's blessings for strength and protection.
6. Valmiki Ashram
Significance: Nearby the Sitabari area, it is believed that the great sage Valmiki, who authored the Ramayana, had his ashram. This place is significant as it is where Sita is said to have given birth to her sons, Luv and Kush.
Rituals: Devotees visit this site to pay homage to Valmiki and reflect on the teachings of the Ramayana.
How to reach Sitabari?
Sitabari is a very small town that is situated at a distance of 1 Km from Kelwara. Kelwara is located 117 Kms from the district of Kota. Many buses ply on this route, and there is no connectivity problem to reach the place.
The frequency of buses is increased by a large number during the Fair, as thousands of tourists and devotees gather here during the time of mela. Although the connectivity through road is very good, the nearest rail head is at Baran that is 75 Kms from Kelwara.
सीताबाड़ी मेले के बारे में हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें