Kanana Mela also known as Sheetla Mata Mela Koyna, this fair is organized on Sheetla Saptami, the 7th or 8th day after Holi. Lakhs of people from entire western Rajasthan along with surrounding villages participate in it. The main attractions of this festival are the scintillating dance performances by the Ger teams, cultural performances, other exhibitions and much more. This fair is the first to be held in the Balotra region of western Rajasthan just after Holi.
Kanana Fair - Sheetla Mata Temple and Jal
Koyna Mela Place
Kanana fair is held in Kanana (Koyna) village near Balotra in Barmer district of Jodhpur division of Rajasthan.
About Sheetla Mata Fair Koyna
Koyna (Kanaana) Fair - This fair is a traditional and cultural annual festival held every year in the Balotra region of western Rajasthan. This fair is organized in Kanana (Koyna) village on the banks of Luni river, in which people from all the communities of nearby villages participate and non-dance is performed. Along with this, cultural programs are also organized for political and social awareness. In this fair, you can experience the culture, costumes and social interaction of western Rajasthan together.
When is Koyna fair celebrated?
The Koyna fair is celebrated every year on Chaitra Krishna Saptami (Basyoda or Sheel Satam), the seventh day after Holi. In this fair, we pray to Sheetla Mata for a happy and prosperous life.
koyna fair date - Chaitra Krishna Saptami - AshtamiReligious Significance of Koyna Fair
Organizing the fair on this day also has religious significance. Because on this day the cultural programs starting from Holi end. Spoiled clothes and residence are cleaned by playing Holi. And the new year is started by wearing a new Vibhusa. On this day, the festival is celebrated (Basyoda or Shila Satam) by consuming cold food (Thado Theriyo) prepared the day before, which is a symbol of giving equal importance to all social classes (rich and poor).
How is the Koyna fair celebrated?
There is a fair organized on Sheetla Mata Mela (Basyoda or Sheel Satam). In the Koyna Mela also, cold food is served at the Sheetla Mata temple located near Sheetla Mata Jal, located in Kanana village. And around this Sheetla Mata Jal (Jal – is the name of a tree) non-dance is played by different groups. Also you can buy gifts from local haats and bazaars set up for a few days. Brass utensils, Rajasthani textiles, pieces of cloth and toys can be bought from these markets as souvenirs.
