BAKHMALAKDO TALVANA FAIR

Talvana Fair is being held on the first Mondays of Chaitra (April–May) and Bhadrapad (September–October) in Talvana village of Mandvi Taluka in Kutch district, Gujarat. Talvana Fair is believed to be celebrated since the village was formed. Many years ago, to spread Islam, when Syed Ruknoodinshah came out of the Shindh area of Pakistan, he fought with some Dhal Rajputs, robbers and later he was martyred, his grave is in this village, where there is a big dargah. His tomb along with his sister and other companion's is also here. There was nothing in this village 400-450 years ago, this was all barren land and wild area from Mandvi to this place. It is said that people started settling down here after their arrival and finally, this village was formed. There are big tamarind and peepal trees near this dargah, the "hala" priests guard this dargah. Once every year, the Bakhmalakdo Talvana Fair organised to celebrate the livelihood. This fair is the second biggest fair in Kutch. This fair lasts for 2-3 days and the averages 15,000 of pilgrims visit this fair during spring fair, and averages 4000 tourists visit during the autumn fair which lasts for one day. There is a holy pond nearby whose water. It is believed that the water cures the hydrophobia and other diseases, makes the barren fruitful, and gives success in any trade. Fair arrangements, formerly in the hands of the "hala" priests of this village. Major attraction for this event is “Bakh Malakhado” (Dwand yudh) - Human Wrestling and Unt Daud which is a Camel Race. The drums playing around add the dramatic feel to this wrestling for visitors. During this fair human’s race and Camel Race also organized. Participants in wrestling and races come to this fair from the different regions. There is a special program of Kawali - an energetic musical performance of Sufi Muslim poetry that aims to lead listeners to a state of religious ecstasy—to a spiritual union with Allah (God). This Fair represents the unity of Indian community. People from all the regions including Hindu, Muslim, Jainism celebrate this fair together.