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Jaipur is the first planned city
of India, located in the desert lands of Rajasthan. The city that once had
been the capital of the royalty, now serves as the capital city of Rajasthan. |
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Fairs & Festivals in Jaipur
Karni Mata Fair, Jaipur
Karni Mata Fair is held twice a year at Deshnok, a small town near Nokha in
Bikaner district. The first and larger fair is held in March-April during the
Navratras from Chaitra Shukla Ekam to Chaitra Shukla Dashmi. The second fair
is held in September-October, also during the Navratras, from Ashvin Shukla
to Ashwin Shukla Dashmi.
Karni Mata was an ascetic who led a righteous life dedicated to the service
and uplifting of the poor and downtrodden of all communities. It is believed
that she possessed supernatural powers. The foundation of Deshnok was laid
by her and she has been worshipped as a goddess by her principal followers,
Charans, as well as the rulers of Bikaner, who regarded her as the patron
deity. The Karni Mata Fair is held in her honour.
The Karni Mata temple at Deshnok is a stone and marble structure and is also
known as Madh. Inside the shrine, a 75 cms. image of Kami Mata adorned with
a mukut (tiara) and garlands is installed. Her image is accompanied by the
images of her sisters and the sisters of Avad Mata. The Rajputs bring their
children on Jadula (their first hair cut) and place them at the deity's feet
for blessing.

The temple is thrown open to the public early in the morning at 4.00 a.m.
Charan priests perform Mangla-Ki-Aarti and offer bhog (special food) as worship.
A peculiar characteristic of the temple is the legion of brown cats roaming
about in large numbers in the temple. They are considered auspicious and the
devotees make offerings. Two kinds of offerings, the 'dwar-bhent' is attributed
to the priests and the workers. The 'kalash-bhent' is utilised for the temple
maintenance and development.
" Karni Mata Fair, Jaipur Reservation Form "