TARNETAR FAIR
Held In: August/September.
Also Called As: Trinetreshwar Fair.
Duration: 3 Days.
THE COLOURFUL TRIBAL FAIR:
The small hamlet of Tarnetar, about 75 kilometres from
Rajkot is the site for one of
Gujarat's most well known annual fairs, the
Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair popularly called the Tarnetar Mela.
In
the first week of 'Bhadrapad' (August-September) Tarnetar, a quiet hamlet
in Chotila Taluka of Surendranagar is transformed into a whirl of colour
and excitement. The Tarnetar fair is one of the most colourful events in
the state of Gujarat. This three-day fair is held
at the Temple of Shiva or Trinetreshwar (three-eyed god) popularly known
as Tarnetar.
There is a 'kund' (reservoir) here and it is popularly believed that a
dip in its waters is as holy as a dip in the sacred River Ganges. The
reservoir is also known as 'Papanshu' (the destroyer of sins).
The temple heavily renovated in the 19th
century, is believed to be the site where Arjun won the hand of Draupadi
in an archery contest. The popular belief associates the village with the
'swayamvar' (marriage) of Draupadi after Arjun performed the
'Mastsyavedh', an incredible feat of archery.
THE ZESTFUL VISITORS:
Like all the important tribal fairs, the Tarnetar Fair is attended by
tribes from the adjoining areas of Koli, Bharwad, Rabari, Khant, Kanbi,
Kathi, and Charan who indulge in dancing, competitive sports and other
such forms of entertainment.
Villagers from all over Saurashtra, dressed in their traditional costumes
and exquisite jewellery throng Tarnetar in their thousands for the fair
which has been attracting an increasing number of visitors.
MARRIAGE MART:
The special feature of the fair primarily created to fulfil social needs
for members of Bharwad community, is that their matrimonial alliances are
struck here (hence the reason for gorgeous traditional constumes worn by
the people), a time honoured ritual that is still practised. The temple
courtyard resounds with devotional music.
This fair is primarily a 'betrothal fair' or 'Swayamvar' for the tribal
youth of today who still visit Tarnetar, to find them suitable brides. The
tribal youth elegantly dressed in colourful dhotis, embroidered jackets
and eye-catching turbans come to be chosen by village belles dressed in
colourful finery.
The
bachelors are usually identified by their large colourful embroidered
umbrellas and their distinctive hairstyles. These umbrellas, which have
become emblems of the fair, are embroidered by the tribal youth for over a
year.
THE RHYTHMS OF FOLK MUSIC:
The beauty of this fair lies in the spontaneity with which the people
joyously break into folk songs and folk dances to the rhythmic
accompaniments of drums and an assortment of folk instruments. The young,
both men and women, swing and sway in gay abandon to the throbbing rhythm
of the 'ras garba' and the 'hudo' dance.
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.
TARNETAR CHHATRI:
Another distinctive feature of the fair is the 'Tarnetar Chhatri'
(umbrella). These umbrellas are a delightful treat for the connoisseur of
art. The umbrellas meticulously embellished with mirror work, intricate
embroidery and enchanting lacework are worth seeing.
ARRANGEMENTS
BY THE GOVERNMENT:
Gujarat Tourism makes arrangements for guided tours to Tarnetar both from
Ahmedabad and Rajkot. With its mouth-watering Gujarati delicacies and
typical 'kuba' huts and tent village. Tarnetar fair is a treat not to be
missed.
Tarnetar fair can be a most memorable experience unparalleled in its mood
and gaiety.
