Shri Ganesh Chaturthi Fair (Ranthambhor Fort)
Ranthambore National Park is certainly world-renowned, but a lesser known highlight of this area is the Trinetra Ganesh Temple. Located in Ranthambore forest and only 12 km from Sawai Madhopur, this ancient temple stands as a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus across India. Thousands of people visit each month to pay homage to Lord Ganesha, the beloved Hindu deity associated with strength, success and intelligence. What makes the Trinetra Ganesha stand out is its unique feature: here, one can find the entire family of Lord Ganesha — something that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world! Truly, anyone who visits Ranthambore should not miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience a remarkable place where history and faith intertwine.
The story behind the temple’s history is quite fascinating. In 1299, King Hameer and Ala-ud-din-Khilji were in an intense battle that had extended over a long period of time and resulted in a lack of food and other resources. Apparently, Lord Ganesha was particularly important to King Hameer, since he appeared to him in his dream offering a solution to the problem – that by morning the conflict would be resolved. To everyone’s surprise, when they woke the next day there was a stone image of the Lord with three eyes carved onto one of the walls. This ‘Trinestra’ served as motivation for both sides to resolve their differences peacefully, eventually leading to a successful resolution of the war.
After the war, the city of Pune wanted to reintroduce a sense of peace and tranquility. The longstanding tradition of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi seemed like the perfect choice. Every year, close to four million people come to visit the fair, which takes place during the Bhadawa month. Traditional Hindu rituals such as puja services, offering flowers and food to Lord Ganesha, among others, take place during the festivity. For three days, devotees sing and dance in honor of Lord Ganesha’s power and grace in excitement for his upcoming arrival on Earth. While worshipping and praying for good fortune is important throughout this tradition, visitors can also expect an unforgettable experience packed with vibrant colors from decorations across the grounds along with spectacular fireworks displays that light up dark sky!
Rameshwar Ghat Fair (Khandar)
Rameshwar Ghat is a stunning site to behold, located at the point where the Banas and Chambal rivers converge which is roughly 65 km from Sawai Madhopur. This river’s source is from Mahu in the Vindhyanchal mountain range in Madhya Pradesh. It extends through the north-eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh until it meets with the Yamuna River at Etava. It is then part of the immense National Chambal Sanctuary; a one kilometre wide oasis that spans 700 kilometres across three states. Rameshwar Ghat makes for an incredible destination for any traveller as you witness one of India’s many rivers merging into what will eventually become more than just two parts of one piece.
The Chambal River is a source of beauty and history, and it is also the only place in Asia to remain as a protected natural ecosystem. This area runs across five districts of Rajasthan, Kota, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Karoli, and Dholpur. The government officially declared this area as the National Gharial Sanctuary on July 16th, 1983. On the Rameshwar ghat of the Chambal river lies an ancient landmark; the temple of Lord Chaturbhuj Nathji and a Shiva temple are both located here. Unfortunately, due to a lack of upkeep these ancient structures are beginning to crumble away over time.
Every year, thousands and thousands of people from the Sawai Madhopur, Kota and Baaran districts of Rajasthan and the Sheopur district of MP come to visit the famous mela held each year on the following poornima, two weeks after Deepawali. The mela serves as a venue for various religious activities in Khandar Pargana, such as Geeta Bhawan Satsang Mandals, Akhand Keertan and Ramayan Paath. These activities have been going on for many years now, inspired by divine Brahmin Mahatma Shri Krishnan Ji and other well-known figures. The mela is a great example of how people honor their religious beliefs through such events.
Visiting Ranthambhore National Park is a great way to experience India’s rich wildlife and, with the proposal by the Indian government to open up the area from Palighat to Rameswar ghat of the National Gharial sanctuary, there is even more opportunity to be immersed in a world of nature. Tourists will be able to take delight in spotting a variety of wild animals like Chital, Sambar, Chinkara, Nilgai, Hyenas, Fox, Jackal, desert cat, fishing cat and Mongoose as they explore this amazing part of India. In addition to these exotic animals are various river species such as otters, crocodiles and tortoises that can be found along with several varieties of water snakes and fish. There is no shortage of birds either with over154 different types living in or nearby Ranthambhore National Park waiting to be discovered by tourists.
Tourists travelling to this area can witness an amazing wildlife scene as they explore the riverbank. The area is home to a variety of different animals such as otters, crocodiles, tortoises and snakes. Such wildlife is accompanied with birds of numerous types and species – 154 in total. Most notably, the Brahmani duck, coot, red-crested pochard and bar-headed goose are some of the favourites among the bird species that can be seen. They often flock together to observe the stunning landscape along the riverside. Visitors will for sure have an enjoyable time tracking down all these birds and other animal inhabitants that make this place so special.
Tourists visiting the area will be treated to a spectacular array of wildlife, including an exciting selection of reptiles, mammals and fish. However, it’s the birds that often steal the show! From the Brahmani duck to the coot, red-crested pochard, pintail and bar-headed goose – there are an impressive 154 species of birds in total. Watching these majestic creatures gather around beautiful riverbanks is an awe-inspiring sight; proof that nature can offer us so much majesty if we take the time to appreciate it.
Chouth Mata Fair (Chauth ka Barwada)
Chauth Ka Barwara is an ancient place of Hindu pilgrimage in the state of Rajasthan. It is situated about 22 to 25 km from Sawai Madhopur, and is renowned as the site of the Chauth Mata Fair – a vibrant festival that draws worshippers far and wide every year. The origin of both the fair and the village can be found in the statue of Goddess Chauth (Chaturthi), which stands by temple at the centre of town. The tale goes that when Bhim Singh, current ruler, had a dream of being asked by the goddess to build her temple, he did according to her instructions – thus giving birth to this spiritual center and its associated festival. Since then it has attracted hundreds of thousands people, who visit annually not only for religious purposes but to experience all that such a unique event has to offer.
Every year, there is a big fair on the Hindu month of Magha and the Chaturthi tithi. This fair has held its place in the hearts of local devotees due to their strong faith in the Goddess and what it symbolizes. Travellers come from far away places to witness this extraordinary event because it offers a unique glimpse of Rajasthan – full of vibrant colors, interesting cultures, and unparalleled joy. People flock to the fair with anticipation, eager to seek darshan from the Goddess while they are also captivated by various activities such as shopping, entertainment and much more. The fair spans over 15 days of joyous festivities that one should not miss if traveling through Rajasthan during this sacred time.
Ghumeshwar Mahadev Fair (Shiwar)
Ghushmeshwar Jyotirlinga Mandir is one of the most sacred sites for Hindus, and it’s been a pilgrimage site for thousands of years. Located in the Devgiri hills of Shiwar in Rajasthan, the temple is home to Lord Shankar and his divine presence is palpable at Ghushmeshwar. Set 100 kilometers from Jaipur, and 3 kilometers away from Isarda railway station, the temple stands next to the railway line between Kota and Jaipur. Attracting millions of devotees every day, Ghushmeshwar Jyotirlinga offers untold blessings to all those who seek to worship Lord Shankar at this holy shrine.
Shivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, and is celebrated with great fervor all over India. Taking place during the months of Chaitra on the solar calendar–from February to March–it is a time for devotees to gather in great numbers and offer their bhog or offerings for spiritual wellbeing. Numerous claims and counterclaims have been made over the years as to where exactly the twelfth jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva stands, but according to Shivpuran certifications, it can be said that its original site lies in Shiwar, Rajasthan. It has become an event now when devotees will flock to this area during Shivratri and in Shraawan–the auspicious month dedicated to Lord Shiva–in search of spiritual blessings.
Jayanti Mata Fair (Khandar)
Every year on Chaturthi Asthmi of the Hindu month Bhadawa, a fair is held in honour of Goddess Jayanti Mata. Located at Block Khand Fort, the temple of Jayanti Mata lies within the mediaeval Taragarh Fort, situated roughly 40 kilometres away from Sawai Madhopur. Though there are no records indicating when or how this fort was built, we do know that it was at its most powerful in the 12th century and designed using ancient Indian engineering principles. It was constructed atop an elevated and steep hill, making it virtually impervious to enemy attacks; thus earning it the title of “invincible fort”.
Delwal Fair (Aalanpur)
The Delwal/Tejaji fair held in Aalanpur, located just 6 km away from Sawai Madhopur behind the General Hospital, is a sight to behold on Teja Dashami. The vibrant atmosphere invokes memories of the beloved story of ‘Tejaji’ among families from rural areas. With a multitude of different stalls dotted across the landscape, the fair is bustling with locals and tourists alike, who stop by for shopping and entertainment. As if mesmerized by the small-town charm of this carnival, everyone partakes in animated conversations about Tejaji culture. If you happen to be around this part of town during Teja Dashami, then make sure you don’t miss out on joining in the festivities at the Delwal/Tejaji fair!
Amreshwar Mahadev Fair (Aravli Hill)
Nestled in the foothills of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is home to exquisite wildlife and breathtaking scenery. On the way to the holy Amareshwar Mahadev Temple, local devotees flock to get Lord Mahadev’s blessing. Amidst lush greenery, situated on some high hills, Shivlings are set up here embodying spiritual power and offering incredible views. During monsoon season an exotic waterfall trickles through magnificently creating a picturesque ambiance and providing gorgeous photo opportunities! It is truly a sight to behold and will remain etched in your memory forever!
Sita Mata Fair
The Sita mata temple in Neemli Khurd village is a scenic spot, with plenty of lush greenery and flowing water streams surrounding it. The trees make the atmosphere peaceful, ideal for a meditative stroll, or as a picturesque backdrop for family picnics. Visitors can also spot occasional wildlife, adding to the beauty of this classic temple. It’s small but strong legacy attracts visitors all year round, who come looking for solace and serene ambience.