A Vibrant Journey to the Vautha Fair

 

A Vibrant Journey to the Vautha Fair in Gujarat
(#VauthaFair #Gujarat)

A visit to my
brother-in-law in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, unveiled a hidden gem – the Vautha Fair.
Thanks to some media friends, I discovered this vibrant and colorful event, a
five-day spectacle held annually at Vautha village.

This
captivating fair attracts over 500,000 people each year, coinciding with the
full moon night of Kartik, typically in November. Held at the confluence of the
Sabarmati and Vatrak rivers, also known as Saptasangam, the fair boasts a rich
tapestry of traditions.

A Celebration
of Faith and Commerce (#Mythology
#Pilgrimage #Trading)

Dedicated to
Lord Kartikeya, son of Shiva and Parvati, Vautha Fair is the largest cattle
fair in Gujarat. Thousands of donkeys and camels are brought for trade,
attracting Banjaras (Gypsy) traders. Food stalls, street hawkers, and jugglers
add to the lively atmosphere.

Beyond
commerce, the fair holds deep significance. Pilgrims bathe in the holy river,
seeking absolution of sins. This unique blend of religious fervor and
commercial activity makes Vautha Fair truly special.

A Snapshot of
the Fair (#Photography
#Culture)

My one-day
visit was a whirlwind of sights and sounds. Dressed in traditional attire,
villagers participated in a variety of activities. I captured these moments
through my lens:

1.    
Pilgrims
seeking blessings in the Sabarmati River (Picture 1).

2.    
A majestic
camel on display, quenching its thirst (Picture 2).

3.    
A young Gypsy
girl adding to the fair’s vibrancy (Picture 3).

4.    
Exquisite
handcrafted goods on display (Picture 4).

5.    
Gypsy women
skillfully decorating donkeys to attract buyers (Picture 5).

6.    
Donkeys, the
stars of the fair, waiting to find new homes (Picture 6).

7.    
Ladies perusing
the colorful Meena Bazaar (Picture 7).

8.    
A captivating
portrait of a Gypsy man (Picture 8).

9.    
The Sabarmati
river bustling with activity as people cross in the evening (Picture 9).

A Fair to
Remember (#Travel)

Reminiscent of
the Sonpur fair in Bihar, albeit smaller in scale, Vautha Fair pulsates with
energy and color. The vibrant donkeys, painted and adorned, are a unique sight.

For those
seeking a cultural immersion in Gujarat, Vautha Fair is a must-visit. The fair
is easily accessible; with Ahmedabad airport and railway station just 10 and 6
kilometers away, respectively.

Planning Your
Trip

Inspired to
experience the magic of Vautha Fair firsthand? Here are some resources to help
you plan your trip:

• Dates: Vautha Fair typically takes
  place on the full moon night of Kartik, usually in November.

• Location: Vautha village, Gujarat,
  India.

• Transportation: Ahmedabad airport
  and railway station are conveniently close.

Let the colors
and vibrancy of Vautha Fair transport you to a world of cultural richness!

Text and Photos
by Ashok Karan, Ashokkaran.blogspot.com

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#VauthaFair
#Gujarat #Travel #Culture #Photography