Vautha Fair is the largest animal fair held in Gujarat, the Vautha Fair, also known as Vautha Mela, is one of the largest and most vibrant animal fairs in Gujarat, India. Held annually in the small village of Vautha, located at the confluence of seven rivers, the fair attracts traders, pilgrims, and tourists from all over the region.
The fair takes place during Kartik Purnima, a full moon night in the Hindu month of Kartik (usually November). The timing is significant for both religious and commercial reasons, as many pilgrims consider it auspicious to bathe in the river during this period. Sangam is considered as holy as the seven holy river waters mixed here: the Vatrak merges with the Meshwo, Hathmati, Shedhi, Majum, and Khari before it then meets the Sabarmati, so the locals call it Saptasangam (meeting of seven).
Vautha Fair is primarily known for its large-scale trading of camels, horses, donkeys, and cattle. The fairground transforms into a bustling marketplace where animals are bought and sold, attracting traders from various parts of Gujarat and neighboring states. The animals bought for trading are beautifully decorated, ornamented, and cleaned to look their best.
Apart from animal trading, the fair has a strong religious aspect. Devotees come to pay homage at the local temples, particularly the Shiva temple. The fairground is also dotted with stalls selling traditional handicrafts, food, and other local products.
Thousands of people and visitors visit Sangam during the month of Kartik especially during the Vautha Fair. The most important religious act performed by numerous devotees coming here is the purifying bath on the Sangam tirtha which is supposed to be a reliever of all past sins.
All people from nearby villages and districts lock their houses and come to attend the fair which lasts for about five days. Several tents are erected that are used by visitors of the fair too. Nearly 25,000 people house in about 2000 tents every year and enjoy the grand spectacle of the Vautha fair.
Visitors are seen preparing elaborate sweets and food dishes throughout for the five days of fair. The fair generally ends with the preparation of Ladoos and the most popular and appreciated dishes are khichu and kachariyu.
One of the most significant features of the fair is the trading of animals. Numbers of merchants are seen selling a wide variety of products right from trinkets to machinery. In the evenings, numerous small lamps are set afloat in the river by devout pilgrims, producing a shimmering dance of faith and beauty.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें
Vautha Fair is primarily known for its large-scale trading of camels, horses, donkeys, and cattle. The fairground transforms into a bustling marketplace where animals are bought and sold, attracting traders from various parts of Gujarat and neighboring states. The animals bought for trading are beautifully decorated, ornamented, and cleaned to look their best.
Apart from animal trading, the fair has a strong religious aspect. Devotees come to pay homage at the local temples, particularly the Shiva temple. The fairground is also dotted with stalls selling traditional handicrafts, food, and other local products.
History
The history of the Vautha Fair is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of Gujarat. According to Hindu mythology, Kartikeya the son of Lord Shiva visited this place on the full moon night of Kartik (Kartik Purnima). Kartikeya was on a trip covering the entire earth. It was on Kartik Purnima that he stopped at this culmination of rivers and performed some austerities. Also, the city of Dholka in the Ahmedabad district is considered to be the‘Virata Nagar’ of the Mahabharata where the Pandavas spent the last year of their exile in disguise.Ancient Roots
- Religious Significance: The location of Vautha at the confluence of seven rivers (Sabarmati, Vatrak, Meshwo, Majum, Khari, Shedhi, and Hathmati) has long been considered sacred. The belief in the sanctity of this confluence (known as a "Sangam") draws pilgrims who consider a dip in the waters during Kartik Purnima to be spiritually purifying.
- Shiva Temple: The Shiva temple in Vautha is a focal point of the fair, and it is believed that the fair initially started as a religious gathering for devotees of Lord Shiva.
Celebrations
Thousands of people and visitors visit Sangam during the month of Kartik especially during the Vautha Fair. The most important religious act performed by numerous devotees coming here is the purifying bath on the Sangam tirtha which is supposed to be a reliever of all past sins.
All people from nearby villages and districts lock their houses and come to attend the fair which lasts for about five days. Several tents are erected that are used by visitors of the fair too. Nearly 25,000 people house in about 2000 tents every year and enjoy the grand spectacle of the Vautha fair.
Visitors are seen preparing elaborate sweets and food dishes throughout for the five days of fair. The fair generally ends with the preparation of Ladoos and the most popular and appreciated dishes are khichu and kachariyu.
One of the most significant features of the fair is the trading of animals. Numbers of merchants are seen selling a wide variety of products right from trinkets to machinery. In the evenings, numerous small lamps are set afloat in the river by devout pilgrims, producing a shimmering dance of faith and beauty.
People Participating
Over the years the Vautha fair has gained tremendous importance and popularity. Presently over 500000 visitors are seen participating in the fair over five days of the Fair. Many pastoral groups are seen participating in the fair especially the “Jath Vanjara” community. Initially the fair was only attended by Hindus; now Muslims are seen participating in large numbers.Time of Celebrating the Vautha Fair
The Vautha fair is held in November every year which lasts for about five days. According to the Hindu calendar the fair is celebrated in the month of Kartik. The ceremony of holy bath is performed on the full moon day of Kartik Purnima.Modern Era
- Cultural Festival: In modern times, the Vautha Fair has become not just a trade fair but also a cultural festival. The event now includes a range of activities such as folk performances, craft exhibitions, and other forms of entertainment that attract tourists and visitors from urban areas.
- Continued Religious Importance: Despite the commercialization, the religious aspect of the fair remains central, with thousands of pilgrims still visiting the Shiva temple and taking a holy dip in the river.
The Vautha Fair, therefore, represents a unique blend of ancient religious practices and more recent economic activities, reflecting the enduring cultural heritage of Gujarat.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें