Shamlaji Fair -Gujarat |
About: |
Shamlaji Fair of Gujarat is known as the Kartik Purnima Fair. The fair is celebrated by all the castes and communities of Gujarat; they are Garasias and Bhils who actively take part in the event. The celebration and the fair lasts for two weeks. The tribes mainly celebrate the fair where different stalls of local handicrafts and art and artifacts gives the tourists the opportunity to buy the local products that bear the significance of the place. The main festival is referred as the worship of the black deity named 'Kalio Bavji'.
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. Shamlaji is eminent for the Shamlaji Temple, Vaishnav Shrine. The temple bears all the traces of ancient architecture, according to the Archaeological Survey, the temple belongs to 11th century. All the fairs and festivals develop round the temple which shows the strong ethnic background of Shamlaji.Apart from the fair, the auspicious bath in the river Meshwo is considered to be essential for the tourists for purgation. Tourists from different corners of the state and from neighboring states come and visit the holy destination of religion and culture. |
Location info: |
Address:Shamlaji Fair,Sabarkatha,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: |
The land relief in Gujarat is low in most parts of the state, resulting in a great diversity in the climate of Gujarat India. Gujarat experiences mild, pleasant and dry winters, with average daytime temperatures ranging around 83 °F(29 °C) and night temperatures around 53 °F(12 °C). The summers are very hot and dry, with day temperatures rising up to around 105 °F(41 °C) and night temperatures dropping to 85 °F(29 °C). |
History: |
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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: |
How to reach? |
Nearest Railway Station:Modasa raiway station |
Nearest Airport:Ahmedabad airport |
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: |
Khedbrahma: This spot is renowned as the Hindu temple region and Brahma temples of India are also mingled here. Khedbrahma teerth dedicated to Bhagwan mahavir Swami is the main attraction and devotional pull to the multitude. The temple of Chaturmukh(the four headed God) is also famous spot of spiritual visit here.
Idar: Gadada Shamlaji: Dharoi Dam: Dhantiwada: Vaktapur Teerth: |
Nearest Petrol pumps: |
IBP Petrol Pump:Gandhinagar,Gujarat,India
Relince pump:modasa,sabarkatha,Gujarat,India |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
Stay-inn hotel & resort:opp modasa college ,sabarkatha,Gujarat,India,ph:09428555331
Max Industries:Plot No. 27/28, G.I.D.C.Modasa Road,Kapadvanj,Gujarat,India,ph:02691 263436 |
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
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Society/Community Phone Number: |
Link:www.gujrattour.com |
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