Kaila Devi Fair- A Colourful Picture of the Belief and Devotion

Kaila Devi fair holds a significant place amongst the locals of the Rajasthan. Celebrated in the month of Chaitra (Hindu calendar), the fair lasts for fortnight. Devotees from far away places do visit the region to offer their prayers to the presiding deity, Kaila Devi. Popularly known as Mahalakshmi, the deity shares the temple with Chamunda Devi. It is believed that Kaila Devi is the one who guards the region from the devil spirits and bless the devotees with health and prosperity. The fair is organized to honour the deity. Held in the Karauli district, the fair has different rituals that make it more special.

Rituals

Devotees visiting the fair, offer cash, bindi, kajal (kohl), tikki (vermilion), bangles and many other things along with sweets to the deity. Highlight of the fair is the ritual of Kanak-Dandoti. Performed by successors of Goli Bhagat, this ritual provides glimpses of the devotion and dedication of the devotees. During the fair, they cover an area of around 15-20 km by lying prostrate. They draw a line to indicate the covered area and then again repeat the process to reach the temple. Some of the devotees perform this ritual without taking any beak and without having food. Groups of Mina tribesmen create a lively atmosphere with their folk dances to praise the deity.

Temple

The temple is situated on the shores of Kalisil river. Loaded with the red flags, the temple houses the images of Kaila Devi as well as Chamunda Devi. Bigger statue is of Kaila Devi, whose head is slightly bend. In courtyard, there is another small temple, which houses a statue of Bhairon. Another temple that faces the main temple houses the statue of Lord 'Hanuman. Popularly known as 'Languriya' in the local region, the temple is an inseparable part of the temple. Rajputs, Minas and some other scheduled castes are the principal devotees who visit the temple during fair.

Trading and Festivity

As the fair is visited by a large number of devotees it also allures different traders. They set up the small shops to sell a wide variety of items. Colourful costumes, dances, singing performances and that too in traditional way takes you to another world.

Kaila Devi fair provides you the glimpses of the tradition of Rajasthan, its rituals and more on to the belief and devotion of the pilgrims. This fair is not just a fair, it is a festival for the devotees, who starts their preparations from a long back.