6 Most Famous Fairs To Visit in India

India is a land of festivities. Throughout the year, people find reasons to celebrate life. Even the Festivals and fairs celebrated here are associated with some meaningful lessons and morals of life. Various fairs are organised all around the year in almost every part of the country. These fairs are celebrated for different reasons like religious purposes, trade of animals and showcasing art forms. So let’s have a look at some of the Famous Fairs in India.

# Kumbh Mela

This fair takes place four times every 12 years. It takes place alternatively in four locations that are Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain And Nashik. It is celebrated according to the relative astrological positions of Sun, Moon and Jupiter. This fair is celebrated by taking a holy dip in the rivers that flow through respective cities. The most famous Kumbh is held in Prayagraj at the Sangam (confluence) of Ganga, Jamuna and Saraswati (mythical river). Around 24 crore people attended the 2019 Kumbh mela at Prayagraj.

# Pushkar Fair

The Pushkar town in Rajasthan, meaning flower in Hindi, is famous for its annual cattle fair. During the later phase of the festive period, the devotees who come to to take part in this fair, take a dip in the holy Sarovar Lake of the city. This is a famous Indian fair which attracts tourists from all over the world. It is known for Camel trading and people can also participate in activities like camel rides, desert safari. An interesting and unique competition named ‘Longest Moustache’ is also conducted during it. The Pushkar fair is a very vibrant occasion, which is full of colours, lights, traditional clothing, jewelry etc.

# Gangasagar Mela

Every year on the Makar Sankranti festival, the place near the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal celebrates the fair named Gangasagar Mela. People visit this fair to take a holy dip in the river Ganges, worship Surya Dev and then seek blessings from the Kapil Muni temple. It takes place at the beautiful Gangasagar or Sagar Island. About 18 lakh people had visited this fair in 2018. Naga Sadhus also visit this festival to do their worship.

# Sonepur Fair

This is the largest cattle fair of Bihar. This Cattle Fair is held in November on the full moon day at the confluence of the rivers Gandak and Ganges. It is also known as the Harihar Chhetra Mela. Various breeds of animals like buffalos, horses, birds and elephants are sold in this fair. Haathi Bazaar is even one of the biggest events of this fair. People not only from India, but also from Asia come to witness its grandeur event.

# Nagaur Fair

This 8 day fair is held every year in the months of January- February. It is the second largest cattle fair in Rajasthan. Animals like camels, horses, cows, goats and sheep are traded in this fair. They are also decorated and even a beauty contest is organised to choose the best animal. Mirchi Bazaar is set up in this fair, where jewelry, handicrafts and wooden items are put for sale. Various Traditional cuisines are also arranged in this fair for visitors to experience them. A vibrant firework show is organised in the night to add to the fair’s beauty.

# Urs Ajmer Sharif

This fair is held in Ajmer in the memory of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti to commemorate his death anniversary. It is held over a period of 6 days in the 7th month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. Night long Qawwali singing is a very unique event organised in it. Dazzling events are organised to celebrate the brotherhood and love amongst people. ‘Kheer'(a pudding like dish of milk and rice) is prepared in large quantities and enjoyed by people.