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Mallinath Fair is one of the biggest cattle fairs of
Rajasthan held annually near Tilwara, a village in Barmer
District from Chaitra Budi Ekadashi to Chaitra Sudi Ekadashi
(March-April). It lasts for a fortnight wherein the highly popular breeds
of cows, camels, sheep, goats and horses attract people not only from
Rajasthan but also Gujarat
and Madhya
Pradesh . People of all castes and creeds participate freely in the
fair.
The fair is believed to have originated from transactions, which took
place among admirers of Rawal Mallinath, a local hero, who used to travel
to Tilwara on well-bred animals to meet him. A shrine dedicated to
Mallinathji is located here and people make offerings of 'batashas' and
'laddoos'. When their wishes are fulfilled, they offer miniature horses at
the shrine. Traders from
Mathura
, Agra and
Aligarh
bring horses made of wood, brass and bronze to sell at the fair.
On the opening day of the fair, the flag of Rawal Mallinathji is hoisted
to the accompaniment of songs extolling his greatness. RACES
Bullock, camel and horse races are organised at the fair and thorough
bred animals compete against each other on the dry river bed. The
prize-winning animals sport white badges on their heads and command high
prices at the fair.
Apart from shops selling normal utility items and agricultural
implements, there is a separate market for fodder at the fair.
Tilwara is a rail-head on the Jodhpur-Barmer route. The railway line has been extended up to the site of the fair. Buses ply between Balotra, Jodhpur, Barmer and Tilwara. Animals are brought to the fair grounds by rail and trucks from Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Pall, Jodhpur and Nagaur Districts.