Tarnetar Fair-Gujarat

About:

The Tarnetar Fair is a vibrant cultural festival held annually in the village of Tarnetar in Gujarat. Known for its colorful displays of local traditions, music, dance, and handicrafts, the fair is celebrated in honor of the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Temple. It is one of the most popular fairs in Gujarat, drawing visitors from across the country to experience the rich culture and rural life of Saurashtra.  

Based on the legend of Draupadi's swayamvara, this fair is a celebration of ethnic Gujarat’s folk-dance, music, costumes and the arts, centered around young tribal men and women seeking marriage partners. But even for those not interested in finding a spouse, the romance and excitement in the air are captivating, and every year the fair seems only to grow in popularity, attracting visitors and tourists from Gujarat, elsewhere in India, and even abroad.

Rabari women of nearby Zalawad perform the famous circular folk dance called rahado. Their marital status is indicated clearly by their costumes; a black zimi (skirt) means she is married. But if a woman is wearing a red zimi, it means she has not yet tied the knot, probably seeking a husband. The potential husbands seeking brides are elegantly dressed in colorful dhotis, artistically designed waistcoats and a head-cloth twisted at an angle, moving about the fairground at Tarnetar with striking umbrellas, advertising the bachelorhood they are keen to relinquish.

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History:

The Tarnetar Fair has deep cultural and mythological roots, dating back over 200 years. It is linked to the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Temple and the legend of the Mahabharata. According to folklore, the fair commemorates the swayamvar (marriage selection ceremony) of Draupadi, where suitors competed in archery to win her hand. The fair has since evolved into a celebration of local traditions, especially for the Koli and Bharwad tribes, who come dressed in their finest traditional attire.  

Importance of festival:

The old Shiv temple is a marble temple located on the banks of a rivulet. The temple has a kund or a reservoir. According to legends, this place was originally the place where Draupadi’s 'swayamvara' was held.Tarnetar Fair of Gujarat is a popular husband-hunt fair. During this fair young women with colorful dress walk through the Tarnetar Fair and choose their groom among the young men who assemble under gorgeously embroidered umbrellas.

Method of Celebration:

Decorated Umbrellas: One of the unique features of the Tarnetar Fair is the display of beautifully decorated umbrellas. Young men carry elaborately embroidered and bejeweled umbrellas to attract attention. The umbrellas are symbols of status and readiness for marriage, and they add color and vibrancy to the festival. 

The most thrilling sight of all is the 'rasada', the fascinating folk dance performed by hundreds of women, moving gracefully in a single circle. Dancing gaily to the accompaniment of four drums and 'jodia pava' (double flutes.) their gorgeous traditional costumes and captivating dances makes the Tarnetar Fair a unique synthesis of folk art.An added attraction of the fair is the lively folk dance performances such as ras-garba and hudo dance and the rasada, the fascinating folk dance performed by hundreds of women.

Swayamvar Tradition:
Although symbolic, the fair is associated with the ancient swayamvar tradition. Young unmarried men and women from tribal communities gather at the fair in search of potential life partners, dressed in their finest traditional clothes. The fair serves as a venue for matchmaking among the Koli and Bharwad tribes

Ras Garba Style of Dance:
Folk dances like the energetic and playful Ras Garba (where men and women dance in two circles moving in the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions with dandiyas, or sticks, in their hands) and the Hudo Dance (performed by the shepherd community where the dancers clap in a rhythmic manner while duplicating the movements of two sheep ramming their heads) are key draws.

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Culture of festivities:

Folk music and dance are integral to the Tarnetar Fair. Dances like Garba, Raas, and Hudo are performed to the tunes of traditional instruments like the dhol, flute, and tabla. These lively performances celebrate the region’s folklore and are often spontaneous gatherings of locals who dance in circles to upbeat folk songs. The energy of the music and the rhythmic footwork in these dances create a festive atmosphere throughout the event. 

Nearest Visiting places:

Wankaner Palace: A historical palace in the nearby town of Wankaner, around 70 km away, known for its blend of Indian and European architectural styles.

Rajkot:
A bustling city located about 90 km away, known for its markets, museums, and the Kaba Gandhi No Delo (Gandhi’s ancestral home).

Chotila Hill:
The famous Chamunda Mataji temple is situated at Chotila, a small town near Rajkot in Gujarat State. Chotila is situated exactly in the middle of Ahmedabad and Rajkot, the two main cities of Gujarat State. Chamunda Mataji is the Kuldevi (family Goddess) of most of the Hindus staying in Saurashtra region of Gujarat State, located in the north of it. Thousands of pilgrims come to Chotila every year and perform the darshnas of Chamunda Mataji. The Mataji temple is situated at the top of the Chotila Mountain.Chotila Mountain is around 1250 feet high and is located around 40 miles away from Rajkot, and around 50 miles away from Ahmedabad.

Nearest Petrol pumps:

The nearest petrol pump is located in Thangadh, approximately 40 km from Tarnetar.  

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Shiv Palace:Located in nearby Thangadh, providing comfortable budget accommodation.

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