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Kaila Devi Fair

The town of Karauli is the administrative headquarters of the Karauli District in Rajasthan. The town formerly served as the capital of the princely state of the same name. Today Karauli is famous for hosting the Kaila Devi Fair. The Kaila Devi Fair is a colourful and vibrant occasion held at the Kaila Devi Temple. The Kaila Devi Fair is also one of the most popular fairs in Rajasthan and is visited by people from all across the nation.

The Kaila Devi Fair is held every year in the Hindu calendar month of Chaitra. The Chaitra month coincides with the Georgian months of March and April. The fair lasts for almost a fortnight and is celebrated in the village of Kaila about 24 Kms away from Karauli. The Kaila Devi temple is located at the shores of the Kalisil River surrounded by hills. The temple is located about 2 Kms from the Kaila village. The temple has a small shrine devoted to Bhairon in its courtyard. There is also a Hanuman Temple or the Languriya temple located close to the Kaila Devi temple. Both these temples are popular and pilgrims come from various parts of the country to pay their respects.

Every year more than 2 lakh devotees attend the Kaila Devi Fair. There are several traditional rituals and cultural activities that are a part of the celebrations. Apart from the devotees from Rajasthan, the fair is also attended by people from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi. All these people come to pay respects and offer prayers to the deities for a happy life and good income. The fair is also a great place for shopping as there are several stalls organized for locals to sell their goods.

The Fair

Kaila Devi is believed to be a form of the goddess of wealth or Mahalaxmi, and the goddess of death or the Chamunda. The fair holds its own importance among the different fairs and festivals held in Rajasthan. The Kaila Devi is the caretaker deity for the Yadavas, Khinchis and the price of Karauli. The fair can be attended by people from any community or caste. The village was earlier named Kaila after a sadhu known as Kedar Giri. The sadhu resided along the Kalisil River.

Throughout the year the Kaila Devi temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims, but during the Kaila Devi Fair the area turns into a mini pilgrimage site. The atmosphere becomes lively and is filled with music and enthusiasm. The fair brings forward the traditional and ancient culture of Rajasthan. It also gives national and international tourists opportunities to enjoy and observe the local lifestyle and their culture and traditions. Visiting the Kaila Devi fair is an amazing experience that tourists will never forget.

Worship and Offering

Devout pilgrims observe the ritual of Kanak Dandoti by prostrating through the entire distance of 15-20 Km till the temple. Some pilgrims have food and water and take a break and rest during their journey whereas others prefer to fast till they reach the temple. In the Kanak Dandoti pilgrims prostrate make a line on the ground with their hands and then cover the further distance lying and then marking hence moving further.

Devotees visiting the Kaila Devi Fair bring in cash, sweets, coconut, bangles, vermillion and kajal to offer to the goddess. Animals are also sacrificed outside the temple to please the goddess.

Cultural Programme or Activities in Kaila Devi Fair

Attendees of the Kaila Devi Fair can observe the people from the tribe of Mina singing and dancing throughout the fair. The courtyard becomes the performing ground and visitors can relax and enjoy the traditional performances by the locals. The singing and dancing makes the atmosphere quite lively and enjoyable.

Tourists can also shop for traditional Rajasthani jewellery, accessories and handicrafts in the fair. There are several stalls that are set up during the 14 days of celebration. These stalls are organized by locals who seek to combine enjoyment with trade.