Saneshwar fair - Sirohi Rajasthan

Annual fair of Rajasthan's most colourful community, "Rabaaris" is held at Sirohi in Rajasthan. People from this community gather at Raja's palace. From here a procession is carried out till pond of this town. Lord Jagdish, seating in a decorated palanquin is taken for holy bath on this auspicious day. The present "Raja" of Sirohi leads this procession. People perform lot of traditional activities. The specially designed costumes of this community makes it one of the most colourful festival.

Story behind this festival
In medieval times a ruler of Delhi, Alludding Khalji on his way to Gujrat, attacked this tiny kingdom of Rajasthan. He wanted to capture an ancient Shiva temple of Shaneshwar ji near Sirohi. The "Rabaari's" who are generally pastoral people helped the Raja to resist this attack and thus saved this temple. Inspired by the services "Rabaari's" were given full control for one day in a year. No other community is allowed in the temple premises during this day. Whole night they perform various activities, in which no other caste is permitted to enter.

Some useful facts about this festival


1) Place : Sirohi district in western Rajasthan

2) Dates : As per the christian calender in the month of August or september.

3) Nearest airport : Udaipur - 120 Km.

4) Accommodation : Small hotels with basic facilities.

5) Duration : 2 days.

Please note that only people from this community are allowed to participate in the activities held in the temple premises during the night. Other people can take part in procession on the first day and fair on the second day.

If you want more information about this festival of Rajasthan, do not hesitate to contact me.