The annual fair of Kaila Devi, (Mahalakshmi
or the goddess of wealth), is held at the village Kaila (24 kms
to the south west) in Karauli district in the month of Chaitra
(Mar-Apr), lasting for a fortnight. The temple of Kaila Devi is
located on the banks of the Kalisil river in the hills of Trikut,
2 Kms. to the north-west of Kaila village. Another attraction
is the small temple dedicated to Bhairon, situated in the courtyard
and facing the shrine of Kaila Devi is a temple of Hanuman locally
called 'Languriya'.

Approximately
2 lakh devotees gather during the fair. The ritual of Kanak-Dandotis
is observed by staunch devotees. They cover a distance of 15 to
20 Kms to reach the temple, not on foot but by lying prostrate,
making lines with their hands in that position, advancing up to
the line drawn and repeating this procedure till they reach the
temple. While some eat food and take rest during the journey,
others endure the rigours of the ritual without these.
Groups of Mina tribesmen arrive in a spirit of gaiety dancing,
singing and creating a lively atmosphere. The spacious courtyard
becomes the venue for dances and songs sung in praise of the guardian
deity.
The nearest rail-head is Hindaun at a distance of about 48 Kms.
Shri Mahavirji is another rail-head of the Western Railway near
Kaila. The site is approachable by well maintained roads from
Karauli, Hindaun and Mahavirji. During the fair, the State Transport
as well as private operators provide bus services keeping in mind
the huge inflow of pilgrims.


Back to Rajasthan Fair Festivals