| This fair, one of the largest, purely 'Adivasi'
(tribal) fairs is attended by around 60,000 to 70,000
tribal people. It takes place every year in the village
of Gunbhakhari in Sabarkantha district, very near the
borders of Rajasthan. It is held a fortnight after Holi,
the festival of colours.
THE BEAUTIFUL VENUE:
The site of the fair is attractive as the temple overlooks
the rivers Sabarmati, Akul and Vyakul. The name of the
fair is derived from Chitravirya and Vichitraviraya,
the sons of King Shantanu, who are believed to have
lived here and been cured of diseases, which afflicted
them.
THE COLOURFUL VISITORS:
The Garasia tribals, known for their colourful attires
and chunky jewellery, the Bhils for their archery skills
and ancient culture, and the Rabaris who are primarily
pastoral and sport heavy ornaments are the main tribes
at the fair.
The fair attracts large numbers of Bhils (tribals) who
come from all the surrounding districts using every
imaginable form of transport. The Garasis and Bhil tribals
dress in their customary colourful costumes. The costume
of the men generally consists of a blue shirt, dhoti
and a red or saffron turban.
Women don 'ghaghras' (embroidered skirts), which have
a circumference of as much as 20 yards, and are covered
from head to foot with ornate and heavy silver jewellery.
They use liquid 'kumkum' (vermilion) to colour their
cheeks and lips a brilliant red, while their eyes are
outlined with 'kajal' (kohl).
MAKE YOUR PRESENCE FELT
Every group that comes to the fair carries its own drum
making the atmosphere come alive with the incessant
beat of numerous drums. The fair also acts as a venue
for betrothals, as tribal youth use this opportunity
to find their future spouses.
THE MAIN RITUALS:
The fair begins with mourning at the 'triveni sangam'
(confluence) at night, which rapidly gives way to rejoicing,
dancing and singing, with stalls selling food and produce.
Tribals from various districts of Gujarat and neighbouring
Rajasthan attend the fair, which is a good time for
relatives to meet, or to find a suitable bride - eloping
is not uncommon, though.
MEANS OF MERRIMENT:
The dancing and drumming continue for hours until everyone
is exhausted. Over a hundred stalls hold food and drink,
and sweets of various kinds. Silver ornaments can be
bought and household articles as well. Here, as in other
fairs, there is a giant wheel, and a merry-go-round,
which never cease to spin.
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