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'''Shamlaji fair''' is an annual festival held in Gujarat, India. It is held on the day of Karthiki Purnima. The fair is attended by a large number of tribals, who have great faith in ''Shamlaji (Baliya Bawji)''.<ref name="A">{{cite book|title=ગુજરાતની લોકસંસ્કૃતિ|last=Sedani|first=Hasutaben Shashikant|publisher=University Granth Nirman Board - [[Gujarat]]|year=2015|isbn=97-89-381265-97-0|location=[[Ahmedabad]]|pages=85}}</ref> People from different regions of [[Gujarat]] as well as the state of [[Rajasthan]] also come to this fair.<ref name="Vyas"/>

==Place==
The fair is held at the ancient shrine Shamlaji on the banks of [[Meshwo river]] in [[Sabarkantha district]].<ref name="A"/>

==Time==
Shamlaji fair is held from Devuthi Agiyaras to [[Purnima]], which is the longest running fair in [[Gujarat]].<ref name="Vyas">{{cite book|title=ગુજરાતની અસ્મિતા|last=Vyas|first=Rajni|publisher=Akshar Publication|year=2012|edition=5th|location=[[Ahmedabad]]|page=325}}</ref>

==History==
The history of when and who built the temple of Shamlaji is not available, but based on the remains found in the area around [[Shamlaji]], according to the Archaeological Department, the temple is estimated to have been built in the period of 500 A.D to 700 A.D.<ref name="Vyas"/><ref name="z">{{cite book|title=ગુજરાતના લોકોત્સવો અને મેળા|last=Kalariya|first=Ashok|publisher=Directorate of Information/ GujaratState|year=2019–20|isbn=|volume=|location=[[Gandhinagar]]|pages=28–29}}</ref>

There are three legends behind the construction of shrine Shamlaji:

(1) According to one legend, once [[Brahma]] came to Shamlaji in search of the best pilgrimage on earth and stopped there, he started penance and [[Yajna]] (sacrifice). As a result Lord [[Vishnu]] appeared in the form of Shamlaji and established himself there.

(2) According to another legend, [[Vishwakarma]], the architect of the gods, built this temple in one night, and

(3) According to the third legend, an idol of Shamlaji was found here by a tribal farmer while farming. A temple was built there by [[Vaishnava]] devotees.<ref name="A"/>

==significance==

Apart from [[Brahmins]], Vaniyas, [[Rajputs]] and [[Patidars]], devotees from [[Rajasthan]] and [[Madhya Pradesh]] also come to Shamlaji to visit and enjoy the fair. More than two lakh people are expected to attend the fair. Bhuvas-sadhus([[priests]]) also seem to come in large numbers to perform mantra-tantra in this fair.<ref name="A"/><ref name="z"/>

Among the many people who come with colorful clothes from distant places in fair, mainly the people of the ''‘Garasiya’'' community are especially prominent. Apart from [[Krishna]], worship of Lord [[Vishnu]] is also important at Shamlaji.<ref name="A"/>

In the fair of Shamlaji, the tribal people are seen adorning their traditional dress and ornaments and singing songs. A very popular folk song regarding the fair: ''Shamlajina Mele Re, Ranzaniyu vage!''<ref name="Vyas-1">{{cite book|title=ગુજરાતની અસ્મિતા|last=Vyas|first=Rajni|publisher=Akshar Publication|year=2012|edition=5th|location=[[Ahmedabad]]|pages=38–40}}</ref>

Young men and women tend to meet the spouse they believe in. From the fair people buy silver Jewellery like Vadela, Kankul, Madaliya, Hathwala, Ambalo Jawalan, Ramja or [[anklet]](Zanzar) etc. Tribal women are very fond of [[tattoos]]. They tattoo at the fair.

[[Christians]] and [[Muslims]] also run their own shops in this fair.

There are also inns for the people who come to the fair to stay.<ref name="Vyas"/>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://arvalli.nic.in/tourist-place/shamlaji-temple/ Aravalli district official website]

[[Category:Aravalli district]]
[[Category:Festivals in Gujarat]]

Shamlaji fair - Revision history

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