KAPIL MUNI FAIR - KOLAYAT

Celebrated In : Bikaner Legend : Sage Muni Meditated Here For The Redemption of Mankind Time of the festivity : Kartik Purnima

The Kapil Muni Fair is the largest fair of Bikaner district held on Kartik Purnima at Kolayat--originally Kapilayatan--named after the sage Kapil who is believed to have done 'tapasya' (meditation) here for the redemption of mankind. Kolayat is situated in an arid area. There is a lake with 52 ghats shaded by Banyan trees around the lake. A temple dedicated to Kapil Muni is situated on the Kapil Muni Ghat and it has a marble statue of the saint.

A large number of people come to Kolayat to redeem themselves by taking holy dips in the Kolayat Lake throughout the year, but it is considered very auspicious to take a dip on Kartik Purnima. The lakeside is dotted with temples. Ghats named after these temples allow privacy to the pilgrims, with some ghats meant only for women.

Visiting Kolayat has been considered to be a 'tirtha' or pilgrimage of great importance and it is believed that one day's stay at Kolayat benefits as much as 10 years spent at any other sacred place. The legendary Maharishi Kapil and the Kapilayatan Lake find mention in the Puranas and Kapil Muni is believed to have descended from Lord Brahma.

WORSHIP & RITUALS

Worship in the temples is performed by Sewag Brahmins whose priesthood is hereditary. 'Aarti' is performed twice daily and 'bhog' is offered. On the day of Kartik Poornima, the day of the Kapil Muni Fair, 'deepmalika' is performed in the evening. People float lighted lamps in the sacred lake as a part of the rituals and this creates a beautiful sight. Offerings are made at the temples consisting of coconut, 'batasha' (sugar drops), dry fruits, 'mishri' (sugar cubes) and cash. Songs extolling the virtues of Kapil Muni are sung ardently by the devotees.

People belonging to different castes and communities gather at the fair. They come to take a holy dip, pay homage at the shrines and also for trading in cattle and a host of other merchandise.

CATTLE FAIR

A cattle fair is held in conjunction with the Kapil Muni Fair. Buffaloes, camels, horses and cattle are sold. Certificates and prizes are given away to the best breeders at the fair.