Fast, Fairs and Festivals of India Fast, Fairs and Festivals of India
KHATU SHYAMJI FAIR
Location : 48 Kms. Sikar Distt., Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Temple : Shyamji Temple
Time of the festivity : Phalgun Sudi Dashmi to Dwadashi
Khatu Shyamji is famous for its Shyamji Temple. There is a steady stream of devotees the year round, but lakhs of them gather at the annual fair from Phalgun Sudi Dashmi to Dwadashi. Apart from being a place of pilgrimage, a large number of people come for the 'Jadula' ceremony (the first time all hair is shaved off the head) of their children.
Legend connects the place to the epic Mahabharat. Krishna, it is believed took the form of a Brahmin and asked for the head of Babhruvahan (Barbrik). He then placed the head on a hillock so that it could watch the war. Pleased with the sacrifice, Krishna, then, blessed Babhruvahan to be worshipped as Shyam himself in Kaliyug. Khatu Shyamji