Kolayat Fair

Introduction

Rajasthan is the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The world class hotels reflect modern luxury whereas the historical tourist spots symbols of rich history of the place. In any state of India attending a fair is equally a short study tour of the culture of that area. The Kolayat Fair is one of the most famous festivals of Rajasthan. It is held in Kolayat, Dist. Bikaner and a large number of visitors from different parts of the world experience it. This fair is organised on the occasion of Kartik Pournima.

Image Credit: Astrosage

Kolayat

The historical significance of the place lures a large number of tourists. As history says, the place of Kolayat is also regarded as Kapilayatan. Moreover, these names are also found in the holy scriptures of Puranas. Kapil Muni meditated here for redemption of mankind here on shores of Kolayat lake. Kolayat lake never gets dry.

Kolayat is situated in an arid area (area which is being without moisture; extremely dry). There are many banyan trees around the Kolayat lake which is having 52 well constructed bathing areas called ghats. Visiting Kolayat has been considered to be a 'tirtha' or pilgrimage of great importance and it is believed that one day's stay at Kolayat benefits as much as 10 years spent at any other sacred place.

How to reach?

Kolayat is about 50km from Bikaner in the southwest area and well connected to the road. Nearest airports are Jodhpur airport and Sanganer airport, Jaipur respectively at 143km and 296km of distance. Also Kolayat is a having a railway station coded as KLYT which is well connected to the Jaisalmer, Lalgarh and Bikaner.

Beauty of the fair

The Kolayat Fair of Bikaner is also known as ‘Kapil Muni Fair’ and is greatly important for the people of Bikaner. They eagerly wait for this fair throughout the year. It has a great religious significance. A large number of devotees also visit the fair to take a holy dip in the Kolayat Lake. It is believed that a holy dip can provide them respite from all the sins they have done.

During the Kolayat Fair all the 52 ghats (bathing places constructed along banks of a water body) of Kolayat lake are beautifully decorated. Attractive lights impart a great look to these ghats. One ghat known as Kapil Muni ghat is dedicated to Sage Kapil and there is a marble statue of the saint. Some of the ghats are only reserved for women. All the ghats are having temples. On visiting the fair, you will also be able to witness the various rituals performed by the devotees. These devotees also offer prayers along with sweetmeats, milk pudding and sugar drops to the deity. All the devotees gather at a common point and leave oil lamps to float in the calm waters of the lake. It will be a great sight for the tourists to see hundreds of lighted lamps floating in the water of the lake.