This is a religious festival
with simple and traditional rituals. On this occassion
tribals from the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh
and Gujarat join their brethren from Rajasthan to
offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The Baneshwar fair is
predominantly a tribal fair with more than half of
the congregation consisting of Bhils.
Activities
The temple of Baneshwar
Mahadev remains open from 5.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.
during the fair. In the morning, saffron is applied
to the Shiva Linga after it is bathed and an aarti
of burning incense is waved before it. In the evening,
bhabhut (ash) is applied to the Linga and an aarti
with a fine-wick lamp is waved. Devotees offer wheat
flour, pulses, rice, jaggery, ghee, salt, chillies,
coconut and cash.
The Bhils attending Baneshwar Fair sing
traditional folk songs in high pitched voices sitting
around a bonfire every night. Groups of villagers
are also invited to participate in the programme.
The fair resounds with the gaiety of songs, folk dances,
magic shows, animal shows and acrobatic feats. Adding
to the excitement are the joy rides on merry-go-rounds
and swings.
History & Places
to see
The name Baneshwar is derived from
the revered Shiva Linga which is kept in the Mahadev
temple in Dungarpur. "Baneshwar" means the
'master of the delta' in the local Vagdi language
and this name was given to Shiva Linga.
The Baneshwar fair is held at
a small delta formed by the river Som and Mahi in
its present form is actually a merger of two fairs:
one which used to be held in honour of Baneshwar Mahadev
(Lord Shiva) and another fair which started after
the construction of the Vishnu temple by Jankunwari,
daughter-in-law of Mavji, a highly revered saint considered
to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
