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Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair (Tarnetar Mela)
 Celebrated In :
75 Kms From Rajkot, Gujarat.
Held In :
August/September.
Also Called As :
Trinetreshwar Fair.
Duration :
3 Days.
The Colourful Tribal
Fair
The small hamlet of Tarnetar, about 75 kilometres from Rajkot is the site for one of Gujarat's most well known annual fairs, the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair popularly called the Tarnetar Mela. The Mela (fair) is held for three days in the period between August to September. Like all-important tribal fairs, it is attended by tribes from the adjoining areas of Koli, Bharwad, Rabari, Khant, Kanbi, Kathi, and Charan who indulge in dancing, competitive sports and other such forms of entertainment. There are over 300 stalls selling food, refreshments, exhibiting embroidery and cattle shows.
There is a 'kund' (reservoir) here and it is popularly believed that a dip in its waters is as holy as a dip in the sacred River Ganges. The reservoir is also known as 'Papanshu' (the destroyer of sins).
The temple heavily renovated in the 19th century, is believed to be the site where Arjun won the hand of Draupadi in an archery contest. The popular belief associates the village with the 'swayamvar' (marriage) of Draupadi after Arjun performed the 'Mastsyavedh', an incredible feat of archery.
The Zestful Visitors
 Like all the important tribal fairs, the Tarnetar Fair is attended by tribes from the adjoining areas of Koli, Bharwad, Rabari, Khant, Kanbi, Kathi, and Charan who indulge in dancing, competitive sports and other such forms of entertainment.
Villagers from all over Saurashtra, dressed in their traditional costumes and exquisite jewellery throng Tarnetar in their thousands for the fair which has been attracting an increasing number of visitors.
Marriage Mart
The special feature of the fair primarily created to fulfil social needs for members of Bharwad community, is that their matrimonial alliances are struck here (hence the reason for gorgeous traditional constumes worn by the people), a time honoured ritual that is still practised. The temple courtyard resounds with devotional music.
This fair is primarily a 'betrothal fair' or 'Swayamvar' for the tribal youth of today who still visit Tarnetar, to find them suitable brides. The tribal youth elegantly dressed in colourful dhotis, embroidered jackets and eye-catching turbans come to be chosen by village belles dressed in colourful finery.
The bachelors are usually identified by their large colourful embroidered umbrellas and their distinctive hairstyles. These umbrellas, which have become emblems of the fair, are embroidered by the tribal youth for over a year.
 The
Rhythms Of Folk Music
The beauty of this fair lies in the spontaneity with which the people joyously break into folk songs and folk dances to the rhythmic accompaniments of drums and an assortment of folk instruments. The young, both men and women, swing and sway in gay abandon to the throbbing rhythm of the 'ras garba' and the 'hudo' dance.
The most thrilling sight of all is the 'rasada', the fascinating folk dance performed by hundreds of women. Moving gracefully in a single circle. Dancing gaily to the accompaniment of four drums and 'jodia pava' (double flutes.) their gorgeous traditional costumes and captivating dances makes the Tarnetar Fair a unique synthesis of folk art.
Marnetar Chhatri
 Another distinctive feature of the fair is the 'Tarnetar Chhatri' (umbrella). These umbrellas are a delightful treat for the connoisseur of art. The umbrellas meticulously embellished with mirror work, intricate embroidery and enchanting lacework are worth seeing.
Arrangements By The
Government
Gujarat Tourism makes arrangements for guided tours to Tarnetar both from Ahmedabad and Rajkot. With its mouth-watering Gujarati delicacies and typical 'kuba' huts and tent village. Tarnetar fair is a treat not to be missed.
Tarnetar fair can be a most memorable experience unparalleled in its mood and gaiety.
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