Sheorinarayan Fair is one of the popular festivals of Chhattisgarh. The festival is held every year in the month of February during the Magh Purnima. The festival draws a huge crowd both domestic and international in this annual festival. The Sherorinarayan Temple which is devoted to Lord Rama is the main venue of this Sheorinarayan Fair. The festival reflects the rich cultural tradition and the festivals and Fairs of Chhattisgarh.
Sheorinarayan Fair in Chhattisgarh is organised in a small town of Sheorinarayan situated in the Janjgir Champa District of Chhattisgarh. This beautiful and historical town is located on the confluence of three rivers, Mahandi, Sheonath and Jonk. The Sherorinarayan Temple is built here that dates back to the 13th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. The premises of the temple have been converted into a fair ground where this annual fair is held every year.
This fair showcases and reflects the diverse cultural tradition of the people of Chhattisgarh. The city of Sheorinarayan becomes the centre of attraction during the Sheorinarayan fair. During the festival the temple of Sheorinarayan is tastefully decorated with lights and flowers. In the full moon night of Magh the temple premises remains flooded with shops that sell various products of traditional craft to visitors of different regions of India. The occasion is filled with festivities. The devotees of Lord Rama visit the temple to offer their prayers and obeisance at the feet of the Lord and receive his blessings. They also visit the shops and eating joints set up for the occasion. A wide range of articles are displayed for sale. The shops offer the visitors with a wide range of artworks and other products of the local craftsmen and local traders. The Sheorinarayan Fair is a fine example of the `Mela` culture that is associated with most of the festivals of India and Chhattisgarh.
Visitors throng the venue and join the festivities in their festive attire. They share greetings and gifts with each other. A wide range of colours and ethnic dresses are visible. Folk music, devotional song and traditional music fill the air and devotional dance performances are witnessed at the site of the Sheorinarayan Fair in Chhattisgarh.
