About Baneshwar Festival |
| Event | Baneshwar Festival |
| Location | Baneshwar Mahadev |
| State | Rajasthan |
| Category | Fair |
| Date | Feb 20, 2024 |
| Main Attraction | Holy Bath in the river |
| Overview/History | Baneshwar Festival held in Hanumangarh in the state of Rajasthan derives its name from the Lord Shiva (also called Baneshwar) and is dedicated to him. Earlier two different fairs were held at the place-one dedicated to Lord Shiva and another one to Saint Mavji, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. But at present only one fair is held which see tribal people paying their homage to both the lords. The fair is particularly popular among the members of the Bhils community. The fair takes place at delta formed together by the river Som and Mahi. The fair is held in the month of February every year over a span of five days. |
| Celebration | The rituals that are associated with the festival involve applying saffron to the Shiv Linga in morning and Bhabhut (Ash) in the evening in the temple of Baneshwar Mahadev. Aarti is performed at both times and a brass gong is struck both the times. Devotees offer flour, wheat, salt, chillies, coconut and other things considered auspicious for the purpose of prayer. Besides, a priest of high order called Mathadhish takes a bath in the holy water and along with him commoners also take a dip with a belief that water has been purified by Mathadhish's touch. The other events include:
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