Kolayat Fair Bikaner

Celebrated on an expansive scale, the Kolayat Fair is one of the prime attractions of the town of Kolayat, located in the district of Bikaner in Rajasthan. The festivities of this one of the biggest fairs in the state begin at the Kapil Muni Ghat and eventually spread to the other 51 ghats surrounding the Kolayat Lake. According to the local legend, the sacred Kolayat Lake was the site of meditation for a Great Sage named 'Kapil Muni'. It is believed that Kapil Muni meditated on this ghat for the salvation of mankind. This made the ghat a place of great importance for the people of this town.

The fair starts in the early hours of the morning with devotees performing different kinds of rituals at the ghats and taking holy dips in the Kolayat Lake. The main attraction of the Kolayat Fair is the mesmerizing sight of the beautifully decorated ghats of the Kolayat Lake. In the evening, the lake becomes a visual spectacle during the Sandhya Aarti. Earthen-lamps are lit and set afloat on the waters of the lake during the ceremony of Deep Malika, which promises a feast for the eyes. A cattle fair is held during the Kolayat Fair for the trade of buffaloes, camels and horses. The best breeders are awarded with prizes and certificates.

Festival Dates/Months: The Kolayat Fair is held every year in October and/or November (Kartik month based on the Hindu calendar).

Special highlights of the festival:

• The Kolayat Fair is celebrated in the Kartik month according to the Hindu calendar.
• The fair begins during the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima.
• During the Sandhya Aarti, offerings of coconut, sugar cubes and dry fruits are made.
• Devotees take a holy dip in the water of Kolayat Lake.
• Earthen lamps are lit and set off in the water to float.