Fast Facts
Venue: Baneshwar, Dungarpur, Rajasthan
Significance: Religious Festival
Duration of Festival: 4 days
Month of Celebration: Shivratri (January-February)
Next Date of Event: 6 9 February 2009 and 26 30
January
Reaching There: Rajasthan Roadways have bus services from Banswara,
Udaipur and Dungarpur. You can also travel by private car/taxi.
About Baneshwar Festival

Rajasthan
resonates in colors and festivals which set it apart from other destinations
of India. Each region of Rajasthan is vivid and exotic. One such festival is
Baneshwar Festival that according to a local dialect means Master of
the Delta. The term is derived from a Shiva lingam enshrined at the
Mahadeva temple of Dungarpur in Rajasthan. The rapture of the festival is
such that the
tribes
from adjoining states of Rajasthan like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat also
flock to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. More of a tribal fair, the
Baneshwar fair attracts a huge populace of Bhills.
The present fair form is actually a fusion of two fairs. One which was held
to honor Baneshwar Mahadeva - Lord Shiva and the other which commenced after
the construction of Vishnu temple by Jankunwari, daughter-in-law of Mavji
who was deemed as a highly revered saint and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The fair is held at the confluence of two rivers Som and Mahi. Two disciples
of Mavji named Aje and Vaje built the Lakshmi Narian temple near the
confluence of rivers Som and Mahi. The pran-pratishtha ceremony of the idols
was performed on Magh Shukla Ekadashi and since then, the fair is held on
this day.
Attractions of
Baneshwar Festival
If you are lucky enough to see the extravaganza of
music and dance
, it is the best time to visit the town. You will love to hum the tunes of
folk music sung by the Bhills in high pitched voices. They sing and rejoice
around the bonfire every night. The youth of the clan also does not lag
behind, the youngsters actively take part in the cultural programs held at
the fair. Some renowned groups are specially invited to organize their
shows.
The whole region rejuvenates with melodious folk songs, astounding magic
show, animal shows and acrobatic feats. What to say about the enthusiasm of
children. It just boosts up by the exciting rides like giant wheel, merry go
round, my fair lady and swings. Also it is a very good time for the
shopping
sprees. You can go about some fabulous souvenirs as it provides a wide range
of options to choose from. Have the essentials and fanciful decorative items
all under the cover of this fair.