Rajasthan Kapil Muni Fair, 2009

Festival Time: 29^th October -7^th November

Location: Kolayat, Bikaner

Fair Highlights: Holy bath in Kolayat Lake, Cattle fair, Arti in Kolayat temple

The royalty of Rajasthan can be well experienced with a visit during the number of fairs and festivals, revolving all the year round. The upcoming Kapil Muni festival is one such kind, that pulls the biggest crowd. It is organized in a small Kolayat town, situated near Bikaner on the National Highway to Jaisalmer.

According to Hindu mythology, this fair carries great significance in the religious calendar of Rajasthan. Legend has it that once the great saint Shri Kapil performed meditation at Kolayat, only for the well-being of mankind. Since then, believers, started devoting some of their day in his memory. The festival-like mela falls on Kartik Purnima, every year and people make all best effort to make it a remarkable one.

Rituals and Activities during Kapil Muni Fair

Kapil Muni Fair of Bikaner is among the largest fair in Rajasthan. The festival atmosphere showcases the various rites and rituals, which reminds of the words inscribed in sacred Puranas.

Devotees believe that the saint was a descendent of Lord Brahma and with remembering him, they take holy bath in Kolayat Lake. The water of the lake is believed to be so pious that it helps one wash away all his/her committed sins. The 52 ghats and a series of marble temples, glitters on the very occasion. One divine ghat dedicated to Kapil Muni consist of a marble statue of the Saint itself. Some ghats are specially reserved as the bathing center for women.

All festival rituals are performed by Sewag Brahmins. Eye-catching Aarti is carried out twice daily and after completion bhog(prassad) is distributed to the devotees. On the evening of Purnima(full-moon night), 'Deepmalika' is performed. Pilgrims light clay lamps and make them float in the sacred Kolayat lake. The whole lake twilights and turns magical with the reverberation of Kirtans. People also make offerings at the temple, consisting of coconut, dry fruits, sugar cubes and drops(mishri and batashas) etc.

Cattle Fair, Bikaner

Beside the religious affairs, Kapil Muni Mela is popular for the colorful Cattle Fair. Buffaloes, Horses, Camels and other domestic cattle are exhibited and the best breeders are recognized with certificates and prizes.

Participating in the Kapil Muni festival rituals and taking holy bath is alike performing religious yatra to the ten pilgrimage site. Visit Kolayat before you get stuck in some surprise task.

How to reach

By Air:

The nearest airports are in Jodhpur (254 km) and Jaipur (325 km), situated 254 km and 325 km away from Kolayat, respectively

By Rail:

The rail head in Bikaner is operated by direct train services to and from Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Kolkata etc.

By Road:

Kolayat is just 50 km away from Bikaner. Both Interstate buses and private coaches aid travelers reach the festival ground, safely.

Mithi Dey