It is a fair for the meeting of prospective brides and grooms. But even if you are not there to seek a partner, you will enjoy the atmosphere and the cultural extravaganza of this unique fair held in the Tarnetar village of Gujarat’s Saurashtra region. Traditionally, the custom of seeking a partner and the fair is linked with the swayamvar of Draupadi from Mahabharata. The fair is held on the grounds of the Trinetreshwar Mahadev temple. Every year, young unmarried members of the state’s tribal communities come to the Tarnetar Fair to seek their life partners. But they are not the only ones. There are plenty of visitors from home and abroad who arrive to enjoy the carnival atmosphere—people in colourful attires and wearing bright ornaments, folk dancing and singing, display of the embroidered umbrellas, animal races, stalls selling handicrafts, etc. Tarnetar is about 59km away from Surendranagar town; Rajkot is 75km away. Gujarat Tourism has organised special tour packages for the fair, which will be held from September 17-19, 2015. The package (starting from Rs 4000 per head plus taxes) includes accommodation in well-furnished tents, meals, local sightseeing, etc.
What: Tarnetar Fair
Where: Tarnetar, Saurashtra, Gujarat
When: September 17-19, 2015
Contact: www.gujarattourism.com