All About Famous In barmer


Mallinath Fair, Tilwara : Mallinath Fair is one of the biggest cattle fairs of Rajasthan held annually near Tilwara, a village in barmer District from Chaitra Budi Ekadashi to Chaitra Sudi Ekadashi (March - April). It lasts for a fortnight wherein the highly popular breeds of cows, camels, sheep, goats and horses attract people not only form Rajasthan but also Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. People of all castes and creeds participate freely in the fair. The fair is believed to have originated from transactions which took place among admires of Rawal Mallinath, a local hero, who used to travel to Tilwara on well-bred animals to meet him. A shrine dedicated to Mallinathji is located here and people make offerings of batashas and laddoos. When their wishes are fulfilled, they offer miniature horses at the shrine. Traders from Mathura, Agra and Aligarh bring horses made of wood, brass and bronze to sell at the fair. On the opening day of the fair, the flag of Rawal Mallinathji is hoisted to the accompaniment of songs extolling his greatness.

Bullock, camel and horse races are organized at the fair and thoroughbred animals compete against each other on the dry river bed. The prize-winning animals sport white badges on theirs heads and command high prices at the fair. Apart from shops selling normal utility items and agricultural implements, there is a separate market for fodder at the fair.
Drive just 35 kms from barmer, to reach a group of five temples, Kiradu Temples, each unique in its own way, exquisitely carved in a style of architecture known as Solanki. The inscriptions dating back to 1161 A.D. reveals that the place was once called Kiratkoop and was earlier the capital of Punwars. These temples offer some very fine sculpture along with the picturesque surroundings. A must see is the Someshwara Temple with a multi tier spire. Since the temples are located close to Pakistan border, foreigners visiting it should obtain a prior permission form the District Collector or the Police Superintendent. Climb the rocky hill that poses as a hooligan to the old fort at the summit. The fort houses a magnificent shrine dedicated to Balark or the Sun God. There are also three Jain temples nearby, which date back to 1295 AD, bedecked with ornate pillars and exquisite doorways.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Tilwara Cattle Fair (March - April): A major cattle fair lasting a fortnight, held in village Tilwara.

Nakoda Parasvanath (December - January): The festival held in Mevanagar village commemorating the birth anniversary of Parasvanath.

Veeratara Mela: Held at Veertara (12 km from village Chohatan), the fair venerated goddess Vakaldevi and is held thrice a year in the month of Chaitra, Bhadrapada & Magha.

Khed Fair (August - September): A big religious fair held on Purnima (full moon) in village Khed.

Mallinath Fair, Tilwara: Mallinath Fair is one of the biggest cattle fairs of Rajasthan held annually near Tilwara, a village in barmer District from Chaitra Budi Ekadashi to Chaitra Sudi Ekadashi (March - April). It lasts for a fortnight wherein the highly popular breeds of cows, camels, sheep, goats and horses attract people not only form Rajasthan but also Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. People of all castes and creeds participate freely in the fair.

The fair is believed to have originated from transactions which took place among admires of Rawal Mallinath, a local hero, who used to travel to Tilwara on well-bred animals to meet him. A shrine dedicated to Mallinathji is located here and people make offerings of batashas and laddoos. When their wishes are fulfilled, they offer miniature horses at the shrine. Traders from Mathura, Agra and Aligarh bring horses made of wood, brass and bronze to sell at the fair. On the opening day of the fair, the flag of Rawal Mallinathji is hoisted to the accompaniment of songs extolling his greatness.
Bullock, camel and horse races are organized at the fair and thoroughbred animals compete against each other on the dry river bed. The prize-winning animals sport white badges on theirs heads and command high prices at the fair. Apart from shops selling normal utility items and agricultural implements, there is a separate market for fodder at the fair.