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Rani Sati Fair
Rani Sati fair was held in Jhunjhunu town twice a year,
on Magh-Krishna Navami and Bhadrapada Amavasya. It was on Magh Krishna
Navami that Rani Sati, the first of the series of thirteen Satis of the
Jalan family, immolated herself. The last Sati was on Bhadrapada Amavasya.
As Rani was the first Sati in her family, the fair is held in her
name.
There was a legend behind the fair. The Jali
Ram, the diwan of Nawab of Hissar had a son Tandhan Ram who owned a fine
mare. The son of Nawab of Hissar wanted the mare for himself. When his
request was refused, he decided the steal the horse. Tandhan Ram threw
his spear at the thief and killed him. Nawab of Hissar attacked Tandham
Ram and killed him while he was returning with his wife Narainidevi to
Jhunjhunu. Narainidevi took away the body of her husband and immolated
herself on the funeral pyre and later appeared as a goddess. Her principal
followers are Jalans, who are the descendants of another son of Jali Ram.
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