Gujarat Orbit
  

Shamlaji Fair

Tuesday, 06 October 2009 07:06

Shamlaji Fair -Gujarat

About:

The Shamlaji Fair, also known as the Shamlaji Melo, is one of the largest and most vibrant religious fairs held in Gujarat. It takes place annually at the Shamlaji Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shamlaji, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The fair attracts thousands of devotees and visitors from Gujarat and neighboring states, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious traditions of the region.  



Shamlaji Fair, Gujarat is one of the main fairs in Gujarat. The fairs of Gujarat are quite exceptional; the fairs and the festivals that come about in the state are the true examples of India's rich heritage. The Shamlaji Fair or the Kartik Purnima Fair is one of the main events in Gujarat where all the tribes take part to make it a grand one.

Location info:
Location: Shamlaji, Aravalli district, Gujarat, India.
District: Sabarkantha
Nearest City:Modasa
Best time to visit: Shamlaji Fair is held on the 'purnima' (full moon) of the month of 'Kartik' according to the local calendar, which falls in November.

Climate/Weather:
November: The fair usually takes place in the month of Kartik (October-November) after Diwali. The weather is generally pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C.

History:
  • The Shamlaji Temple has a rich history dating back to the 11th century. It is an important Vaishnavite pilgrimage site.

  • Another legend has it that Vishwakarma, the architect of the Gods, constructed this temple in one night, but as it was morning by the time he completed it, he could not take it with him and had to return leaving it here.

  • The Shamlaji Fair has been celebrated for centuries, with pilgrims gathering to pay homage to Lord Shamlaji. The fair has grown over the years and now features a wide variety of cultural events, folk performances, and market stalls.

Importance of festival:
Also known as the Kartik Purnima fair, the Shamlaji Melo of Gujarat is a very renowned fair and attracts tribes not only from within the state but also from the nearby state of Rajasthan. The significance of this fair is the fact that the people inspite of their differences in caste and creed celebrates this fair in great harmony.

 

Despite their personal differences, tribal people belonging to different regions come together and celebrate the fair with great zeal. There is an estimated gathering of about two hundred thousand people, which throng the place during the fair. It is organized near the famous Shamlaji temple of the region, a famous Vaishnav shrine dedicated to the deity called Gadadhar (mace bearer) or Shaksi Gopal. The temple architecture dates back to the 11th century and is of great archeological importance.

Method of Celebration:
Take a bath:
Those who visit Shamlaji Melo of Gujarat, must also pay a visit to River Meshwo to take a bath because the water of this river is considered to be holy. The Shamlaji Melo at Gujarat offers you a vivid and colorful picture of Gujarat's cultural heritage. You get to see the true secular India here where people from every religion participate.

Mobile range info:
Mobile network connectivity is generally good, but it can be patchy due to the large crowds during the fair.

How to reach?
By Air: The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad (about 130 km away).
By Train:The nearest railway station is Shamlaji Road Railway Station (about 15 km away). Trains from Ahmedabad, Udaipur, and other nearby cities halt here.
Road Transport: It is 80 kms from Ahmedabad and 32 kms from Himatnagar.,Polo Forest, Idar. Kesariaji, a Jain shrine in Rajasthan about 30 kms away from the border of Gujarat. Modasa – 29 kms

Culture of festivities:
The devotees attending the Shamlaji Melo belong to varied castes and communities, including the Garasias and Bhils. The Bhils address the deity as 'Kalio Bavji' i.e. Dark Divinity. The pilgrims visit river Meshwo before entering the temple, to seek the blessings of the Lord. The holy dip in the waters of this river is considered very sacred. The devotees sing devotional songs in the praise of the Lord. They shout the name of the deity and express their gratitude. One can also see colorful religious banners in the hands of the people.

Nearest Visiting places:
Devni Mori (4 km):
An archaeological site with Buddhist relics and stupas.

Polo Forest (35 km): A scenic forest area with ancient Jain temples and a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and trekkers. 

Himmatnagar (30 km):
A nearby town with attractions like the Hanuman Temple and the famous Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple.

Gadada Shamlaji:
Located near the Dharoi Dam, a lovely landscape of hills and nature fills in here, which give a great relax from the hurry busy world. The temple of Lord Vishnu is devoted here.

Dharoi Dam:
The main water source for drinking purpose is provided from here to Ahemdabad, which is about 85 kms of distance. This unique dam of living waters was constructed in 1973 on the source of Sabarmati River. Gadada Shamlaji is the nearby touring spot.

Nearest Petrol pumps:

There are several petrol pumps available in and around Shamlaji, as well as on the highway leading to the temple.  

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Stay-inn hotel & resort:opp modasa college ,sabarkatha,Gujarat,India,ph:09428555331

Shamlaji Temple Trust Dharamshala:Provides basic accommodation facilities for pilgrims.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:
Sarvajanik Hospital:Nr. Nandanvan society,Kumbharvada,Modasa,Sabarkantha,Gujarat,India,ph:02774 247468
Navjivan urosurgical hospital:Malpur Road,Opp.Govt.Guest,House,Modasa,Sabarkantha,Gujarat,India,ph:02774 247502

 
Society/Community Phone Number:
Link:www.gujrattour.com

Photo Gallery

Video

Dynamic View
Dharoi Dam
Located at Dharoi in Sabarkantha District, the Dharoi Dam was built for supplying drinking water to urban areas such as Ahmedabad that is located 85 km away. Dharoi Dam was constructed across the Sabarmati River in 1973. The dam is also one of the tourist spots in the state, with Gadada Shamlaji another nearby tourist attraction. Dharoi Dam can be reached from Poshina, which is located about 45 km away.According to officials, water was released from the Dharoi dam last in 1993 and now again after over 12 years, on Saturday.In 1993, all the doors of the dam were opened and nearly 3.15 lakh cusecs water was released in the river On Saturday, because of the inflow of nearly 2,17 lakh cusecs in the dam, the authorities opened 10 gates and released 55,940 cusecs of water....more
Chitra Vichitra Fair
A visit to Tourism of Gujarat offers a rare opportunity to the tourist and the travelers with an interest in the culture and religion of Gujarat, India, to unravel the travel related and other important details about the famed and much sought after, Chitra Vichitra Tribal Fair, being celebrated in Gujarat, India. Chitra Vichitra Tribal Fair, is celebrated near Chote Udepur, located in Gujarat, India.Some of these fairs are held to celebrate the harvests of the local countryside farms along with the active shows of gymnasts and other tribal performers to regale the participants and connoisseurs in the Chitra Vichitra Tribal fair, being held in Gujarat, India.The festival begins on the eve of the new moon when the women gather at the river and mourn for their dead through the night. The next day the fair sets off with a generous splashing of dazzling colors and drumming.....more