Nagaur Fair

Venue: Nagaur, Rajasthan.
Time: January - February
Duration: 8 days

About Nagaur Fair
Nagaur fair is also known as the 'Cattle Fair' and is the 2nd largest animal fair of India. This fair is held for eight days every year during the month of January - February. At this fair animals are sold and bought, over 70,000 bullocks, camels, cows, oxen and horses every year. Along with the lavishly decorated animals, their owners are also flaunt wearing colorful turbans and long mustaches.

Basically an animal fair, it provides an opportunity to participate in some of the local sports. Sports like tug-of-war, camel races, bullock races and cock fights; jugglers; puppeteers, story-tellers; and exciting campfire evenings are held to entertain the tourists. Folk music of the Jodhpur variation echoes the placid desert sand.

Major Tourist Attractions in Nagaur
Places to see
Badal Mahal, Sheesh Mahal & Hadi Rani Mahal are some of the worth seeing places. All three have exquisite 18th century frescoes on the ceilings. There is also a bewitching medieval air cooling system and an embellished old hammam, or bath.

The Events
Several games are organized during this 8 day festival. Tug-of-war, camel races, cock fights etc. are source of entertainment for the tourists and visitors. As the sunsets, a joyful ambiance is created by the folk music and dance.

Breed Bargains
The fair is well known for the trade of cows, bullocks, camels and horses. The bullocks of Nagaur are renowned for their fitness and attract a large number of buyers. Both the owners and buyers bargain to their heart's content until they decide upon a price.

Shopping and Recreation
Mirchi Bazaar (Red Chilly Market) is another major attraction. One can buy wooden items, iron crafts and leather accessories, available in in abundance during the fair.

Getting There
Air : The nearest airport from Nagaur is Jodhpur (138 km). There are daily flights that connect it to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur.
Rail : Rajasthan has a good a network of rail services. Nagaur is well connected to the state capital Jaipur by the Jaipur-Bikaner Intercity Express and to Kolkata by the Howrah-Jaipur Express.
Road : One can get regular buses from Jodhpur to Nagaur. Nagaur is also connected by bus from other cities of Rajasthan. Private taxis are also available from Jodhpur.

Accommodation
There are many luxurious and budget hotels available in Nagaur and the nearby areas.