chitra_vichitra

CHITRA - VICHITRA FAIR

At the confluence of three rivers, the Chitra Vichitra tribal fair attracts tens of thousand tribals for one of the major folk celebrations of this region. The fair is said to commomerate the day when Chitraveer and Vichitraveer, came to this site during the Mahabharata. The Chitra Vichitra Mahadev temple is said to date from the period of the Mahabharata.

Tribal beauty at Chitra - Vichitra

The fair begins on the previous night, with Bhil and Garasia tribals from various villages of Gujarat and Rajasthan visiting the river to mourn the dear departed relatives. Offerings are made to the river and there is prayer at the temples. Gradually, as the day progresses, the tribals break into revelry with singing, graceful tribal dancing, giant wheels and stalls selling tribal artifacts and food stuff. The fair is a blaze of colour, with tribals sporting their most colourful attires and artistic ornaments. Match-making between tribal boys and girls takes place during the fair, and eloping with a suitable match is not unknown.

Colourful attire at the fair