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Mallinath Fair
 Location : Tilwara, Barmer dist, Rajasthan.
Feature : Cattle Fair.
Timing
: March-April.
Mallinath Fair is one of the largest cattle fairs of Rajasthan held annually close to Tilwara, a village in Barmer District from Chaitra Budi Ekadashi to Chaitra Sudi Ekadashi (March-April). It lasts for a fortnight wherein the highly well-liked breeds of cows, camels, sheep, goats and horses attract people not only from Rajasthan but also Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
People of all castes and creeds participate freely in the fair. The fair is supposed to have originated from transactions, which took place among admirers of Rawal Mallinath, a local hero, who used to travel to Tilwara on well-bred animals to meet him.
A holy place devoted to Mallinathji is situated here and people make offerings of 'batashas' and 'laddoos'. When their wishes are fulfilled, they offer miniature horses at the shrine. Traders from Mathura , Agra and Aligarh bring horses made of wood, brass and bronze to sell at the fair.On the opening day of the fair, the flag of Rawal Mallinathji is hoisted to the accompaniment of songs extolling his greatness.
Bullock, camel and horse races are organized at the fair and thorough bred animals compete against each other on the dry river bed. The prize-winning animals sport white badges on their heads and command high prices at the fair. Apart from shops selling normal utility items and agricultural implements, there is a detach market for fodder at the fair.
HOW TO GET THERE
Tilwara is a rail-head on the Jodhpur-Barmer route. The railway line has been comprehensive up to the site of the fair. Buses ply between Balotra, Jodhpur, Barmer and Tilwara. Animals are brought to the fair grounds by rail and trucks from Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Pall, Jodhpur and Nagaur Districts.
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