TARNETAR FAIR 2025

Held from 26th to 29th August 2025, the Tarnetar Fair takes place in Tarnetar village, near Thangadh in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district. The fair is centered around the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Temple, a sacred site believed to be linked to the river Ganga and the legendary swayamvar of Draupadi from the Mahabharata.The fair’s origins are steeped in mythology. It commemorates the swayamvar of Draupadi, where Arjuna won her hand by piercing the eye of a rotating fish using only its reflection. This tale of valor and romance forms the symbolic foundation of the fair, which has evolved over 200–250 years into a vibrant cultural festival.The fair is a living museum of Gujarati folk culture:Garba, Ras, and Rahado dances are performed in large circles, often with hundreds of dancers moving in rhythmic harmony.Jodia pava (double flutes) and drums provide a pulsating soundtrack that echoes across the fairgrounds. Bhajan mandlis sing devotional songs, creating a spiritual ambiance.Young men carry ornately embroidered umbrellas decorated with mirror work and vibrant threads.Stalls offer local handicrafts, ethnic jewelry, deity figurines, and traditional attire.Gujarati cuisine—from dhokla to fafda—is served fresh and hot.Magic shows, merry-go-rounds, tattoo artists, and photography booths add to the carnival-like atmosphere.Gujarat Tourism provides:Tented accommodations for visitors.Guided cultural tours and packages to explore nearby attractions.The fair is more than a celebration—it’s a social gathering where tribal youth seek life partners, families reunite, and communities bond. It attracts over 50,000 visitors, including tourists from across India and abroad, drawn by its authenticity and charm.