Prepare to be left mesmerized.

Owing to its grand history, and the multifarious sects of people, each with their own Gods and Goddesses, religious beliefs, customs and practices, the Indian subcontinent is the land of over a hundred festivals celebrated year-round. And the state of Rajasthan is well known for its rich culture and heritage and celebrates numerous occasions such as Teej, the International Kite Festival, the Kolayat Fair, Winter festivals etc.

The Kolayat Fair organised annually in a region very close to the city of Bikaner, Rajasthan, is a highly anticipated festival in the state. This event not only attracts the locals but also a large number of tourists from all around. The festivities centre around lake Kolayat which to the people of Bikaner, holds an immense amount of significance since they are located near the Thar desert, making the area semi-arid.

The Kolayat Fair is organised between the months of October and November, during which one observes a full moon, also known as Kartik Purnima. The Fair doesn’t just have cultural appeal but also religion. The Kolayat lake, around which one celebrates the occasion, is considered to be Holy, and it is believed to be a good omen as it would rid one of the sins. It is also stated that staying merely one night in the region is equivalent to a stay of ten years at any sacred place. Amazing, isn’t it! There is a shrine dedicated to a sage, Kapil Muni, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, on one of the ghats, also named the Kapil Muni ghat. According to legends, the sage was known to have meditated there. It is in fact, from this very ghat that the festivities began, slowing growing to include the other fifty-one.

During the Fair, people gather at the Holy lake in participating in a ritual known as Deep- Malika wherein you float oil-lamps or diyas in the water, thus resulting in a breath-taking view. Another ritual is the offering of nuts, flowers and other items made of coconuts or sugar drops at the time of the Aarti or puja. You would see how the 52 ghats of the Kolayat lake are beautifully decorated. An interesting aspect of the Kolayat Fair is the cattle fair wherein animals like buffalos, horses or camels are traded and a prize is also given to the best breeder. This is a very joyous occasion and many people are known to open their homes to those who come from outside to witness and take part in the Fair. Besides all this, there are also folk dance and music performances which only add to the memories of the visitors.