malinath cattle fair in barmer

Mallinath Fair Tilwara

Location:	Village Tilwara in Barmer District, Rajasthan.
Significance:	Cattle Fair.
Time of Celebration:	For a fortnight from Chaitra Budi Ekadashi to Chaitra Sudi Ekadashi (according to the Hindu Calendar) which usually falls in March or April.

One of the biggest cattle fairs of Rajasthan, Mallinath Fair is just the right place to visit to look out for highly popular breeds of cattle such as cows, camels, sheep, goats and horses. People from as far as Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh come here in the hope of finding a good deal. It is said that the fair originated from the transactions that took place when admirers of Rawal Mallinath, a popular local hero, gathered in Tilwara, riding on well-bred animals to meet him. There is a shrine of Mallinath ji where people pray and believe that their wishes would be granted. After their wishes are fulfilled, it is customary to offer miniature horses as a token of thanks to the shrine. One can see wood, brass and bronze horses being sold by the traders who come from Mathura, Agra and Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh. There are other shops selling general merchandise, fodder and agricultural tools.

The fair opens with the hoisting of the flag of Rawal Mallinathji and the songs praising his valor and greatness. The fair features bullock, camel and horse races and thoroughly bred animals, who compete against each other on the dry river bed. The animals who win are crowned with white badges and are sold for higher prices at the fair.