Factfile
Place: Dungarpur, Rajasthan
Time: February

The colors of Baneshwar Fair
The colorful Baneshwar Fair is considered to be a tribal fair with than half of the congregation consisting of Bhils. The name 'Baneshwar' is derived from the revered Shivlinga, which is kept in the Mahadev Temple. In the morning, saffron is applied to the Shivlinga after it is bathed and an 'aarti' of burning incense is waved before it. In the evening, 'bhabhut' (ash) is applied to the Linga and an 'aarti' with a fine-wick lamp is waved. Devotees offer wheat flour, pulses, rice, jaggery, ghee, salt, chillies, coconut and cash.



The Bhils attending Baneshwar Fair sing traditional folk songs in high pitched voices sitting around a bonfire every night. The fair resounds with the gaiety of songs, folk dances, magic shows, animal shows and acrobatic feats. Adding to the excitement are the joy rides on merry-go-rounds and swings.