Fairs in Nagaur District are held in a big way. In fact, Nagaur district can be called the land of fairs as they are not only cattle markets but in real terms a way of life. The rural people participate in these fairs very eagerly as if they are big social events. In addition to the cattle routine, a wide variety of objects ranging from needles to nails are also available in these events. Fairs in fact are the true face of rustic rural Rajasthan and are a strong witness of its social harmony.
Some of the major fairs of Nagaur district are discussed below.
Ramdeo Cattle Fair - This is the third largest cattle fair in Rajasthan founded by the great King of the Jodhpur Dynasty, Umed Singh in honour of Shri Ramdeoji 56 years back. The fair continues to be held in the month of Magh (January / February). Although the famous Nagauri bull is the prime attraction of the fair, the indigenous breeds of camel, horses, bullocks, buffalos, goat and sheep are in no way less attractive buys. Traders from all over the country participate actively and vie with each other in purchasing high pedigree animals to upgrade their cattle. The fair is also a rare opportunity for the tourists to see the real rural Rajasthan, rural folk in colourful traditional dresses and turbans in a rural setting. The fair is also a big market of farm products but the Mirchi (red chilli) market is the most thrilling and over-crowded. Folk songs and dances not only entertain the visitors but also tell tales of tradition and heritage. One can`t afford to miss an opportunity to visit this fair.
Baldeo Cattle Fair - It is held in the month of Chaitra (March / April) at Merta city every year. Its history dates back 36 years when this fair was initiated in the memory of the great leader of the farmers Baldeo Ram Mirdha. The Nagauri breed of cattle are traded here in abundance and cattle competitions are the biggest attraction of the fair, providing a glimpse of rural Rajasthan.
Veer Tejaji Fair - This is the second largest fair held every year in the month of Shrawan (August / September) at Parbatsar. It is primarily cattle fair but routine things are also bought and sold. Its history dates back to pre-Independence. Veer Tejaji is known as the protector against snakes, scorpions and mosquitoes. It is said that during the 15 days of this fair these reptiles are not to be seen anywhere in the mela. People believe that Veer Tejaji protects them against the bites of these parasitic reptiles.
Apart from the above mentioned fairs, a number of other fairs are also held in Nagaur district. These include the Sheetla Asthami mela, Hariram baba ka mela, Hanumanji ka mela, Meerabai Charbhuja mela, Parsawanathji ka mela, Sufi Tarkeen Salana Urs, Mataji ka mela, Gusaiji ka mela, Jhulotsawa and the Narsingh Chaturdarshi mela among others.