| TARNETAR
FAIR |
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| Celebrated In
:
75 Kms From Rajkot, Gujarat. |
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| Also called as
:
Trinetreshwar Fair. |
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| Time of the
festivity :
Monsoon Season |
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| Duration :
3 Days |
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| THE COLOURFUL
TRIBAL FAIR : |
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| The small hamlet of Tarnetar,
about 75 kilometres from Rajkot is the site for one of Gujarat's most well
known annual fairs, the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair popularly called the Tarnetar
Mela. |
|
| In the first week of 'Bhadrapad'
(August-September) Tarnetar, a quiet hamlet in Chotila Taluka of Surendranagar
is transformed into a whirl of colour and excitement. The Tarnetar fair is one
of the most colourful events in the state of Gujarat. This three-day fair is
held at the Temple of Shiva or Trinetreshwar (three-eyed god) popularly known
as Tarnetar. |
|
| There is a 'kund' (reservoir) here
and it is popularly believed that a dip in its waters is as holy as a dip in
the sacred River Ganges. The reservoir is also known as 'Papanshu' (the
destroyer of sins) |
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| The temple heavily renovated in
the 19th century, is believed to be the site where Arjun won the hand of
Draupadi in an archery contest. The popular belief associates the village with
the 'swayamvar' (marriage) of Draupadi after Arjun performed the 'Mastsyavedh',
an incredible feat of archery. |
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| THE ZESTFUL
VISITORS : |
| Like all the important tribal
fairs, the Tarnetar Fair is attended by tribes from the adjoining areas of
Koli, Bharwad, Rabari, Khant, Kanbi, Kathi, and Charan who indulge in dancing,
competitive sports and other such forms of entertainment.
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| Villagers from all over
Saurashtra, dressed in their traditional costumes and exquisite jewellery
throng Tarnetar in their thousands for the fair which has been attracting an
increasing number of visitors. |
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| MARRIAGE MART: |
| The special feature of the fair
primarily created to fulfil social needs for members of Bharwad community, is
that their matrimonial alliances are struck here (hence the reason for gorgeous
traditional constumes worn by the people), a time honoured ritual that is still
practised. The temple courtyard resounds with devotional music. |
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| This fair is primarily a
'betrothal fair' or 'Swayamvar' for the tribal youth of today who still visit
Tarnetar, to find them suitable brides. |
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| The tribal youth elegantly dressed in colourful
dhotis, embroidered jackets and eye-catching turbans come to be chosen by
village belles dressed in colourful finery. The
bachelors are usually identified by their large colourful embroidered umbrellas
and their distinctive hairstyles. These umbrellas, which have become emblems of
the fair, are embroidered by the tribal youth for over a year.
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| THE RHYTHMS OF FOLK
MUSIC : |
| The beauty of this fair lies in
the spontaneity with which the people joyously break into folk songs and folk
dances to the rhythmic accompaniments of drums and an assortment of folk
instruments. The young, both men and women, swing and sway in gay abandon to
the throbbing rhythm of the 'ras garba' and the 'hudo' dance. |
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| The most thrilling sight of all is
the 'rasada', the fascinating folk dance performed by hundreds of women. Moving
gracefully in a single circle. Dancing gaily to the accompaniment of four drums
and 'jodia pava' (double flutes.) their gorgeous traditional costumes and
captivating dances makes the Tarnetar Fair a unique synthesis of folk art. |
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| TARNETAR CHHATRI
: |
| Another distinctive feature of the
fair is the 'Tarnetar Chhatri' (umbrella). These umbrellas are a delightful
treat for the connoisseur of art. The umbrellas meticulously embellished with
mirror work, intricate embroidery and enchanting lacework are worth seeing.
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| ARRANGEMENTS BY THE
GOVERNMENT : |
| Gujarat Tourism makes arrangements
for guided tours to Tarnetar both from Ahmedabad and Rajkot. With its
mouth-watering Gujarati delicacies and typical 'kuba' huts and tent village.
Tarnetar fair is a treat not to be missed. |
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| Tarnetar fair can be a most
memorable experience unparalleled in its mood and gaiety. |
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