Kolayat Fair

Introduction

Kolayat Fair also known as the Kapil Muni Fair is the largest fair of Bikaner, Rajasthan. It is held on Kartik Purnima at Kolayat, originally known as Kapilayatan. The place is named after the sage Kapil who is believed to have done meditation for the salvation of mankind in this place.

Rituals and celebrations

Thousands of tourists visit this fair and take a dip on the holy lake Ther. Ther is a lake with 52 ghats and surrounded by banyan trees. The lake also finds mention in the Puranas. A temple with a marble statue of the saint is dedicated to Kapil Muni. Though people visit this place all round the year, it is considered highly auspicious to visit Kolayat and take a dip in the holy lake. It is believed that a day’s stay at Kolayat is equivalent of spending 10 years at any other holy place. Sewag Brahmins perform the daily rituals in the temple.

On Kartik Purnima, Deep Malika is performed in the evening where devotees float lamps in the sacred lake as part of the ritual. Offerings consisting of sugar drops, coconut and dry fruits are given at the temple.

An interesting and an important part is the cattle fair that is held on the same day. Kolayat Fair is the largest cattle fair of Bikaner. People from all over the country come to trade horses, camels, buffaloes, and cattle. Prizes and certificates are given away to the best breeders as well.