Baneshwar Fair, Baneshwar

The term "Baneshwar" meaning the master of the delta in the local Vagdi language, is derived from the reverenced Shiva Linga which is enshrined in the Mahadev temple in Dungarpur of Rajasthan.

Thus the Baneshwar festival is a religious festival that involves traditional rituals and draws large number of people belonging to the Bhil community from the state as well as the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The Baneshwar fair is the tribal fair that is held at the delta formed by the river Som and Mahi during the month of Shivratri( January -February) from Magh Shukla Ekadashi to Magh Shukla Poornima. In the past, two fairs were held at the same venue. One fair was held in order to venerate Lord Shiva- Baneshwar Mahadev and the other fair was held after the Vishnu temple was constructed by Jankunwari, daughter-in-law of Mavji( a saint who was considered to be an incarnation of Vishnu). At presence the Baneshwar fair is observed by merging the both.

A huge congregation of Bhils from the Dungarpur,Udaipur and Banswara districts gather at this place to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva, the master of Hindu Holy Trinity. The temple of Baneshwar Mahadev is kept open from 5.00 a.m. to 11.00 pm at the time of the fair and the devotees offer, rice, jaggery, ghee, salt, chillies, wheat flour, pulses, coconut and money to their revered God.

The fair vibrates with the traditional folk dance performances and the songs sung by the Bhils around the bonfire. There is vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment as lots of activities like Raslila, animal shows, magic shows and acrobatic performances take place. The merry-go-rounds and swings add to the fun and enjoyment of the fair.