 Fairs and festivals in Baran district figure many in number. A variety of festivals are held in the district as a part of the celebrations of various religious groups. These festivals and fairs are organised on a large scale and celebrated with much pomp and fanfare. The events are participated in and attended by a number of people from all over the state, and the celebrations continue for days on end. Discussed below are the various fairs and festivals in the district of Baran.
The Dolmela is organised at the Dol Talab (Pond) in Baran city from Jaljhulni Akadshi. The main attraction of the mela is a big Shobha Yatra (procession) which has about 54 Dev Viman (the holy statue carriers). This procession is also known as Dol, and the procession goes around al the major temples of the city. In this procession some 'Akhadas' also demonstrate their 'Kartab' (type of physical exercise). The procession starts from the Shreeji temple, comes to the Dol Talab where all the Dev Vimans are worshiped and then these are sent back to the respective temples. This fair is organised for 15 days and it is very popular among the local residents as well as the residents from all over the state of Rajasthan. People from adjoining Madhya Pradesh also visit for fair. This fair is the symbol of communal harmony in the area, and one of the main fairs of the Rajasthan state. 
Sitabari Mela is another major fair in the district of Baran. Sitabri is a holy place situated about 45 Km. from Baran city near the Kelwara Kasba. A big tribal fair is organised here on Jeshta Amavasya. The place has a number of 'Kunds' attributed to Sita, Laxman, Lord Surya, Lav and Kush and taking a holy dip in them is considered auspicious. Lakhs of people come here for this fair which is taken as Kumbh in the Sahariya tribe. The Swayambar (marriage function) of Sahariya tribes is organised in this fair which is attended by people come from all over Rajasthan state and adjoining Madhya Pradesh. In the Swayambar of the Sahariya tribe, the Sahariya tribe a sahariya boy drops the handkerchief for proposing to the Sahariya girl in the fair. If the girl accepts the handkerchief, it is said that they are agreed for marriage. The bride and groom take the 7 rounds (saat phere) of the Barnawa tree and after the blessings of their parents they are accepted as a married couple.
The Brahamani Mataji Mela is organised in the old fort near Sorsan about 20 Kms from Baran. This is the only donkey fair in the Hadoti region. Brahmani Mataji temple is in this fort. This fair is organised in Magh-Shukla-Saptmi. Other animals are also brought for selling-purchasing in this fair but mostly donkey and kachhar are sold and purchased in the fair. 
One of the oldest folk festivals of the state of Rajasthan is the Phuldol Folk Festival. The festival is organised every year in the town of Kishanganj on the occasion of Holi. This festival was started more than 120 years ago by the local residents of the town with the marriage ceremony of the tulsi plant with the statue of God Charbhujanath in their home. It is a tradition in the families that after marriage, the groom comes to the in-laws home with his friends to play Holi. This tradition is followed by the God Charbhujanath and all the residents of Kishanganj town. On the day of Holi-Dulandi, Swang (type of drama) is played in the town for the whole day. Some of the famous swangs are Gidh-Rawan-Yudh, Band-Bandi swang etc. In the night, a big 'Shobhayatra' known as 'PhulDolo' is taken out into town. Lots of people from nearby places come to witness the festival.
Piplod Christmas Fair is organised in the only Church of the Baran district in the village Piplod in Atru tehsil. This fair is organised on 25th December every year. Though this fair is organised near the Church, many local Hindu-Muslims also participate in the fair. About 33 Km. from Baran, there is a small village called Balakhera. Here, Urs has been celebrated for the last 33 years. It is interesting to note that this Urs was initiated by a Hindu Brahmin family. Even today the flag of the Urs is taken out from the house of the descendant of this family. Listed above are the various fairs and festivals which are celebrated in the district of Baran. (Last Updated on : 12-04-2013) |
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