There is more to Gujarat then the International Kite festival which calls
people from all over the World - The Tarnetar Fair. Tarnetar Fair which is
held in Sauarashtra ( Gujarat is divided into two parts geographically -
Gujarat and Saurashtra, both of them combine to make Gujarat) - the Southern
part of Gujarat.
Tarnetar, a small village in Gujarat, about 75 kms from Rajkot, celebrates
the Tarnetar Fair for three days. Tharnetar meaning the ceremony of
marriage, is the auspicious fair which involves young girls who have the
option of choosing their grooms. Celebrated during the months of August -
September, this fair is also known as the Trineteshwar Mahadev Fair.
About Tarnetar Fair
Tarnetar, the village where the fair is held is a small village in
Surendarnagar District of Gujarat. Held near the Trinettreshwar Temple in
involves
tribes like Rabari, Kathi, Charan, Bhardwas
and Kolis.
According to the legend, it was here in Tarnetar that the Pandava Prince
Arjuna pierced the eye of the rotating fish at the end of the pole by
looking at its reflection in the ponds water to win the contest called
Swayamvar arranged to find a suitable match for princess Draupadi. The
Tarnetar Fair held each year showcases this legend, year after year,
generations after generations. In addition to this, a dip in the Holy Kund
is supposed to be auspicious on this day of Bhadrapad ( The Holy Hindu
Date).
Today the Tarnetar Mela takes place in the Tarneshear Temple. The main
tribe which takes part in this Mela is the Koli Tribe. The main attraction
of the Tarnetar Fair after the Swayamvar are Tarnetar Chattris or the
Umbrellas under which to be Grooms sit. Moreover the hairstyles of the boys
are also looked at, these are haywired, often off the roots and have a
distinct charm in them with the added colors. There are peculiar to the
Tarnetar Fair.
Tarnetar
Fair: 
