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The Kapil Muni Fair is the largest fair of
Bikaner district held on Kartik Purnima at
Kolayat -- originally Kapilayatan -- named after the sage Kapil who is
believed to have done 'tapasya' (meditation) here for the redemption of
mankind. Kolayat is situated in an arid area. There is a lake with 52
ghats shaded by Banyan trees around the lake. A temple dedicated to Kapil
Muni is situated on the Kapil Muni Ghat and it has a marble statue of the
saint.
A large number of people come to Kolayat to redeem
themselves
by taking holy dips in the Kolayat Lake throughout the year, but it is
considered very auspicious to take a dip on Kartik Purnima. The lakeside
is dotted with temples. Ghats named after these temples allow privacy to
the pilgrims, with some ghats meant only for women. Visiting Kolayat has
been considered to be a 'tirtha' or pilgrimage of great importance and it
is believed that one day's stay at Kolayat benefits as much as 10 years
spent at any other sacred place. The legendary Maharishi Kapil and the
Kapilayatan Lake find mention in the Puranas and Kapil Muni is believed to
have descended from Lord Brahma. WORSHIP & RITUALS
Worship in the temples is performed by Sewag Brahmins whose priesthood is
hereditary. 'Aarti' is performed twice daily and 'bhog' is offered. On the
day of Kartik Poornima, the day of the Kapil Muni Fair, 'deepmalika' is
performed in the evening. People float lighted lamps in the sacred lake as
a part of the rituals and this creates a beautiful sight. Offerings are
made at the temples consisting of coconut, 'batasha' (sugar drops), dry
fruits, 'mishri' (sugar cubes) and cash. Songs extolling the virtues of
Kapil Muni are sung ardently by the devotees.
People belonging to different castes and communities gather at the fair.
They come to take a holy dip, pay homage at the shrines and also for
trading in cattle and a host of other merchandise.
CATTLE FAIR
A cattle fair is held in conjunction with the Kapil Muni Fair. Buffaloes,
camels, horses and cattle are sold. Certificates and prizes are given away
to the best breeders at the fair.
Kolayat is situated 50 kms. to the south-west of the city of Bikaner. There is a direct railway route from Bikaner to Kolayat. Regular buses ply from Bikaner to Kolayat.