Kaila Devi Fair Karauli

Kaila Devi Fairs Tour

A huge affair indeed! The Kaila Devi Fair is one of the most important festivals of the state. There is something primeval about the Fair. Animal sacrifice is observed during the Fair outside the temple, Kaila Devi, the venue. Some of the most powerful Rajput dynasties Khinchis, Yadavas and the princes of Karauli, regard Kaila Devi as their guardian deity. Meenas and few members of other scheduled castes are among the principal devotees of Kaila Devi today.

Each year in the month of March to April (starting from Chaitra Budi 12 according to Hindu calendar), Kaila Devi is awash with devoted pilgrims. They never come empty-handed. They bring cash, coconuts, kajal (kohl), tikki (vermilion), sweets and bangles to offer the Goddess. The temple stands atop Trikut hill at the banks of River Kalisil, just mere 2 kms to the north-west of Kaila village. The whole area has a mystical and historical aura about it. The village was named after a sadhu called Kedar Giri who lived on the banks of the river. During the Rajput era, the area acquired vast popularity for its sanctity.

The most interesting part is the ritual of Kanak-Dandoti. In this, staunch devotees lie prostrate and crawl their way up to the temple. They cover 15 to 20 kms distance in this posture. Along the way, they make lines with their hands in that position, and advance up to the line drawn repeating this process till they reach the temple. The ritual is performed by the successors of Goli Bhagat, a great devotee of Kaila Devi. They come all the way from Agra to pay reverence at the shrine.

What makes the Fair feisty is the native dance of groups of Mina tribesmen. They create a lively atmosphere by their gaiety-dancing and singing. The spacious courtyard of the temple reverberates with the songs and footsteps of dancers singing in praise of the deities.

Completing the whole festivity atmosphere are numerous merry little shops set up by traders to sell variety of indigenous products such as colourful bangles, handicraft articles and decorative showpieces.The culture of Rajasthan is prominent during Kaila Devi Fair. Thousands stream in to offer their prayers and gifts while native tribesmen entertain with their gaiety dance and songs.