Chitra Vichitra Fair-Gujarat

About:

Some of these fairs are held to celebrate the harvests of the local countryside farms along with the active shows of gymnasts and other tribal performers to regale the participants and connoisseurs in the Chitra Vichitra Tribal fair, being held in Gujarat, India.The festival begins on the eve of the new moon when the women gather at the river and mourn for their dead through the night. The next day the fair sets off with a generous splashing of dazzling colors and drumming.

The tribal men’s costume generally consists of a blue shirt, dhoti and a red or saffron fenta or turban. The woman don ghagharas which have a circumference of as much as 20 yards, and are covered from head to feet with ornate and heavy silver jewellery, and sometime also beautifully knitted rafia jewellery made from pale yellow or dyed crimson grass. They also use liquid kumkum or vermilion to color their cheeks and lips a brilliant red, while their eyes are outlined vibrantly with kajal.

Every group visiting the fair carries its own drum, so that the atmosphere comes alive with a nonstop beat of drumming. The women sing folk songs in shrill choruses, and everyone dances near the main temple. Over a hundred stalls hold food and drink, and sweets of various kinds. Silver ornaments and household items are out for sale. There is also a giant wheel and a merry-go-round. The dancing and drumming continue for hours until everyone is left exhausted.

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History:

Importance of festival:

The Chitra Vichitra fair is a colorful celebration of the tribal culture & costumes of the Bhils. Tribal use this occasion to find their spouses. Numerous stalls in the fair display the best of rural handicraft including exquisite silver jewelry. In addition to this, breathtaking performances by the skilled jugglers add to the attraction of the fair. A visit to this fair is sure to give you a close look at the rural lifestyle of Gujarat.

Method of Celebration:

Merry-go-round:
Children enjoy themselves in the giant wheel and the merry-go-round. The fair is also popular as a betrothal ground for the young tribal boys and girls. Young men and women attend this fair to find a suitable match for themselves. They even elope with each other to the forest adjacent to the river. After some days, they return to their community to

penance:
In order to practice penance, they immolated themselves here. Since then the Chitra- Vichitra fair is organized here in the memory of the two princes. The tribal population celebrates the fair every year, on the confluence of the rivers Sabarmati, Aakar and Vakar. It commences on the eve of no moon day just after Holi. On this night, the tribal people gather on the banks of the river and mourn for their departed dear ones. They also sing sorrowful songs, offer sacrifices and finally bathe in the river.

Merrimrnt:
The dancing and drumming continue for hours until everyone is exhausted. Over a hundred stalls hold food and drink, and sweets of various kinds. Silver ornaments can be bought and household articles as well. Here, as in other fairs, there is a giant wheel, and a merry-go-round, which never cease to spin.

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Culture of festivities:

Nearest Visiting places:

Idar:
It is a historical based town located at the southern parts fo Arvalli ranges and a natural beauty of protected hill fort is here, once it was the capital of the Idar when Rathore Rajputs ruled. The ancient fort namely Iiva Durga is known to be mentioned in the epic of ‘Mahabharata’ and in the Chinese travelogue-named Hiusen-tsing. The town has its beautiful entrance of its 3 storied clock town and the huge arch in it with a semi circular dome invites people amazingly to the core of excitement over those days architectural charm. The bazaar of this town is at both the ends of the road and leads to the tower and ends up at the foothills of Idar fort. The old palace od beauty and charm is still alive even when the days pass by its carved balconies of artistic work, pillars, brackets, and foliated arches are at vicinity and challenging. Rani Talav, a huge water tank is also seen near the palace.

Gadada Shamlaji:
Located near the Dharoi Dam, a lovely landscape of hills and nature fills in here, which give a great relax from the hurry busy world. The temple of Lord Vishnu is devoted here.

Dharoi Dam:
The main water source for drinking purpose is provided from here to Ahemdabad, which is about 85 kms of distance. This unique dam of living waters was constructed in 1973 on the source of Sabarmati River. Gadada Shamlaji is the nearby touring spot.

Dhantiwada:
This is a spot of water reservoir on the gatherings of River Banas. The cool, clear waters create an enchanting location for relaxing. Nearby, you have an agriculture university. The nature and picturesque spot pulls in birds and bird watchers from various places during the winter seasons.

Vaktapur Teerth:
Vaktapur Teerth , a famous Jain temple located here is the main tourist attraction. Apart from this Shamlaji, Akshardham temple, Shri Mehsana Teerth, Hathee Singh Jain temple, Kanjariya Lake, Bhadra fort and Teen Darwaza and Calico Museum are the other attractions filled with enlightening experiences.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Relince pump:modasa,sabarkatha,Gujarat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Max Industries:Plot No. 27/28, G.I.D.C.Modasa Road,Kapadvanj,Gujarat,India,ph:02691 263436

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