Baneshwar Fair Dungarpur 2026 - Largest Annual Tribal Fair in India.
The Baneshwar Fair is an annual tribal fair celebrated for four days held in the Dungarpur district of Rajasthan at the confluence of the Som and Mahi rivers. Celebrated annually on the full moon night ( Magh Poornima) in the month of Magh (January or February). It is known as the "Kumbh Mela of the Bhils" and serves as a significant religious and cultural gathering for Bhil tribal communities. Beyond its religious importance, it's a lively event for trade, cultural exchange, and entertainment for tribes from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
Baneshwar fair in its present form is actually one of two fairs: one which used to be held in of Baneshwar Mahadev (Lord Shiva) and another fair, which started after the construction of the Vishnu Temple by Jankunwari, daughter-in-law of Mavji, a highly revered saint considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Two disciples of Mavji named Aje and Vaje built the Lakshmi- Narain Temple near the confluence of rivers Som and Mahi. The 'pran-pratishtha' ceremony of the idols was performed on Magh Shukla Ekadashi and since then, the fair is held on this day. The large congregation that gathers here at the time of the fair pays homage to all the deities with equal reverence.
A huge procession takes place during the festival in which a 16 cm silver idol of Saint Mavji is carried on a horseback from Sabla to the fair site with the priest - called the Mathadhish. The river water supposedly becomes holier when the Mathadhish takes a bath. Hence, people bathe along with him in the river. The Bhils consign the ashes of their dead at the confluence of the rivers.
The temple of Baneshwar Mahadev remains open from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm during the fair. 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 visit the Lord Shiva temple early morning offering prayers and conducting other rituals.
Prayers are offered five times a day in the temples of Lakshmi -Narayan and Brahma. Brass gongs are struck at the time of 'aarti'. During the fair, 'aarti' of Mathadhish is also performed and the very famous Rasleela performance takes place in the Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Offerings, similar to those at the Baneshwar Temple, are made at these shrines too.
Evenings become more colourful as the Bhils attending Baneshwar Fair sing traditional folk songs in high pitched voices sitting around a bonfire every night. Cultural shows are arranged by youngsters of the clan. Groups of villagers are also invited to participate in the programme. The fair resounds with the gaiety of songs, folk dances, magic shows, animal shows and acrobatic feats etc.
The fair is an annual fair celebrated for four days. The large number of shops in the fair provides an opportunity for buying and selling of essential goods and fancy articles. The annual tribal Baneshwar fair attracts Bhil tribes, as well as other tourists interested in tribal culture.
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