The Festival
Nagaur one of the most picturesque townships of mighty Rajput, comes alive every year during the winter months of January and February. A beautiful town of Rajasthan, Nagaur is host to the annual Cattle fair, the second largest in the state. During the fair thousands of cattle are brought to Nagaur from far and near areas of Rajasthan and neighbouring states. Traders visit the fair in large number to buy and see camels, bullocks, oxen, horses and other cattle.

Bullocks of Nagaur are famous for their fleetness and their special characteristics. Cattle are lavishly decorated and their owners too wear colourful clothes and turbans. Some of the owners also posses long moustaches. Though the four day festival is known as the Cattle fair, but it showcases a number of fun-filled activities such as camel races, bullock races, tug-of-war and bull-fights.

So, visit the Nagaur Fair this February to see the elegantly decorated cattle and also to enjoy the thrilling activities. Do not take any tention about the accommodation in Nagaur, as the RTDC puts up a Tourist Village for the tourists visiting the fair.

Legends
History says that in the year 1242 Nagaur was bestowed upon Balban as his jagir. In 1542 A.D, Sher Shah Suri took control of the Nagaur region. During Suri empire and the later Mughal empire, Nagaur was a sarkar (governance) of Ajmer. Mughal Emperor Akbar constructed a mosque here, and the place also houses the shrine of a descendant of Khwaja of Ajmer, Moinuddin Chisti. Very little is known about the history of the fair, but it is believed that the fair was started by the past rulers of the region for exhibition of cattle.

Nagaur Fair Celebrations
Beautifully decorated cattle remain the major attraction for tourists visiting the Nagaur Fair. However, the variety of games organised in the fair are equally interesting. During the four day festival you can enjoy the games like tug-of-war, camel races, bullock races, bull-fights and cock fights. Jugglers, puppeteers and story-tellers add more to your funny experience in the fair. Also enjoy the campfire evenings in the cool desert alongwith folk music and dance during the fair.

Mirchi bazaar, one of the biggest red chilly markets of India is a major attraction of the fair. Also check out wooden items, iron-crafts, camel leather accessories, local handicrafts, cloths and jewelleries which are on sale during the fair. Buy the items on offer in the fair and take them as souvenir for your family members or friends.

Nagaur Fair Date in 2008
13th - 16th February