Banganga Fair

Not Only A Sacred Spot For Pilgrims But A Stage For Traders As Well

Location: Banganga, Bairath near Jaipur
Time of the year: Month of April-May
Highlights: Holy bath in the ghats of Banganga river and temples nearby
Significance: Marks the making of a lake by Arjuna to bring water for Bhishma Pitamaha

Each year in April- May, on the day of full moon of Vaishakh is held the Banganga Fair. Several pilgrims from Alwar, Jaipur, Bharatpur and other places come to this fair held near Bairath in Jaipur district. They take a bath and pay homage to the holy sites nearby.

Significance:
The Banganga Fair is held annually near a rivulet which is 11 kms from Bairth in Jaipur. The stream is believed to be created by Arjun, one of the Pandavas.

Highlights of the Fair:

Trading
It is not only the pilgrims who come here but a stage of traders from different communities also sets in here who come to sell their wares. Articles on sale such as simple rural ornaments, toys and household items are an added attraction to the hustle bustle of the fair.
Children as well adults can enjoy a giant wheel and a merry-go-round ride.

Worship & Rituals
Early in the morning devotees gather at the Shri Radha Krishnaji temple. Thereafter, they take bath at the ghats of the Banganga river. It is believed that the bath purifies one's soul. Later, the pilgrims proceed towards other temples in the vicinity like temples of Hanuman, Shiva and Ganga Bihari.

Accessibility
Bairath is 85 kms away from Jaipur on a diversion from national highway no. 8, which is near Shahpura that connects Alwar. Regular bus service is available there between Jaipur and Maid (from where Banganga is only a few kilometres away).
Visiting the Banganga Fair and paying homage is considered very auspicious by pilgrims.