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The fairs in Gujarat are generally associated with some religious festival.
Most of the fairs in Gujarat are held on riversides (River Narmada in
Baroda and Broach districts) or near confluences of rivers, sacred ponds
and reservoirs or on hillsides, sea shores or in pilgrim centres, either
in Chaitra ( March/ April) or Kartika months on full moon days.
Fairs on the full moon days in the month of Chaitra are
held at Chandod and at Karnali in Baroda district and at Shuklatirth
in Broach district in the month of Kartika. A big annual fair during
Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated at Dwaraka and
Dakor with great enthusiasm. Muslims have also their fairs, held at their
sacred places.
Vautha
Mela
The fair held on the full moon day of the month of Kartika
(November) at the confluence of seven rivers near the village Vautha,
in the Ahmedabad district is the most colourful one when people from far
and near assemble to have a holy dip in the confluence. The confluence
is known as 'Saptasangam' and there is a famous Siddanath or Shiva temple
here. The premises also becomes a venue for animal trading. On the occasion
thousands of donkeys are brought here for trading, mostly by Gypsies.
Shamlaji Fair
The fair at Shamlaji in the Sabarkantha district is a
great occasion of mirth where Adivasis, especially Bhils and Gharasias
in thousands gather. The two week long fair is also called Kartik Purnima.
The 11th century Shamlaji temple here is dedicated to Vishnu.
Madhavrai Fair
Madhavrai Fair at Madhavpur near Porbandar is held to
celebrate the marriage by elopement of Lord Krishna and Rukmini, on the
9th day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra ( March/ April ).
Ambaji Fair
Ambaji Fair dedicated to Amba, Mother goddess is held
in Banaskantha district.
Urs
The Urs at Shah Alam Roza in Ahmedabad and at Miran Datar in the
Mehsana district are most important fairs for Muslims.
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