About Kaila Devi Fair |
| Event | Kaila Devi Fair |
| Location | Karauli |
| State | Rajasthan |
| Category | Fair |
| Date | Apr 6, 2024 |
| Main Attraction | The ritual of Kanak Dandoti |
| Overview/History | Kaila Devi festival takes place in the honour of Kaila Devi and lasts for a fortnight. She is considered an incarnation of the Goddess Mahalaksmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The deity is worshipped primarily by the Yadavas and the Khinchi clans present in large numbers in Karauli. |
| Celebration | The fair of Kaila Devi is celebrated at village Kaila in the month of Chaitra (March-April) as per the Hindu calendar. It takes place in the temple by the name of the deity. Around two lakh devotees pay their homage at the holy place and participate in the rituals associated with the worship of Kaila Devi. One such interesting ritual is the ritual of Kanak Dandoti. This ritual sees the followers of the deity lying on their back and drawing lines with their hands and then getting up and traveling up to the drawn line. They cover a distance of 15-20 km in the same way. Some of them even refuse to take any food or water till the time they reach their destination. This ritual is specifically observed by followers of a staunch devotee of Goddess Kaila Devi named Goli Bhagat. Besides the rituals, the fair also has a lot of entertainment options for all those who assemble to be a part of it. There are amusement rides, dances by local tribes and plenty of eating options. Singing of devotional hymns in praise of the goddess is a vital part of the fair. Groups of Mina tribesmen also perform by dancing and singing, creating a lively atmosphere. |
