Festivals of Gujarat > Shamlaji Melo (Kartik Purnima Fair)
Shamlaji,
on the Ahmedabad-Delhi road, was once a town of great historical significance. It is 80
kms from Ahmedabad and 32 kms from Himatnagar. The Shamlaji Temple is a renowned Vaishnav
shrine, and the deity housed therein is known by various names including Gadadhar - bearer
of the mace - and Shaksi Gopal. Archaeologically, the temple is of importance, as it was
built in the 11th century.
There are
several other temples and shrines as well, all of great antiquity.
The Shamlaji
Fair
This is
also called the Kartik Purnima Fair and is held during the month of November, every year.
It lasts for about two weeks . During this period, nearly 200,000 people of all
communities and castes including the Garasias & Bhils, visit the fair. The visitors
come from the adjoining districts and even from Rajasthan. The fair is also popular with
the tribal people of the area, particularly the Bhils, who revere Shamlaji, the deity they
refer to as 'Kalio Bavji', the dark divinity.
Apart
from a darshan of the deity in the temple, a bath in the river Meshwo is. Considered
essential. Visitors usually come in groups, and sing devotional songs, carrying religious
banners.
Excursion
:
Kesariaji, the Jain temple, which is about 48 km away;
Modasa, 29
km; Bhiloda 15 kms, Meghraj 48 km, and Ahmedabad 160 km are the places worth seeing.
Festival
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