Shamlaji Melo festival takes place in a small town, Shamlaji, in Gujarat. The town is located on the Delhi Ahmedabad highway of India. Shamlaji Melo is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Kartik hence it is also known as the Kartik Poornima fair. Shamlaji Melo is celebrated with much spectacle and frolic. The tribal of Gujarat participate in the festival with much enthusiasm. It is organized in the vicinity of the famous Shamlaji temple of the region. The deity of the temple is dedicated to Gadadhar (mace bearer) or Shaksi Gopal. The temple architecture dates back to the 11th century and is of great archeological importance.
Shamlaji Melo festival attracts countless tribal not only from Gujarat but also from the adjoining state of Rajasthan. The fair was celebrated in the month of November for about two weeks. It is a significant fair for the tribes and stands as an example of the harmony that prevails in the region. There is an estimated gathering of about two hundred thousand people, which throng the place during the fair.
The devotees attending the Shamlaji Melo belong to varied castes and communities, including the Garasias and Bhils. The Bhils address the deity as `Kalio Bavji` which means Dark Divinity. The pilgrims take a dip in the river Meshwo before advancing to the temple, to seek the blessings of the Lord. The holy dip in the waters of the river is considered as very sacred. The devotees also sing devotional songs in the praise of the Lord and show their gratitude towards him. The pilgrims carry colorful religious banners in the hands of the people.
Shamlaji Melo depicts the secular nature of the country. People irrespective of their religion, caste and region participate in this holy fair. The cultural heritage and spirit of Gujarat can be thus witnessed, at its best, here. Some stalls are also set up from where visitors can buy some local handicrafts of the region as a memoir of the fair.
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