An exciting and unique three-day fair is held annually at Tarnetar in Saurashtra, Gujarat. The Tarnetar fair is one of the most colourful events in the state of Gujarat. The fair coincides with the festival at the Trineteshwar temple (three-eyed god Shiva), celebrating the wedding of the legendary Mahabharata (epic) hero, Arjuna with Draupadi.
Dates for 2026
The Tarnetar Mela is scheduled to take place from August 27, 2026, to August 30, 2026. The fair is held for three days every year during the Hindu calendar dates of Bhadarva Sud (4th, 5th, and 6th).
The Legend of the Swayamvar
The site is steeped in mythology. It is widely believed that this is the precise location where Arjuna, the Pandava archer, performed the Matsyavedh. By piercing the eye of a rotating fish while looking only at its reflection in a pool of water, he won the hand of Draupadi in marriage. Historically, the festival tradition is believed to have begun 200–250 years ago.
The Rituals and The Kund
The fair is centered around the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Temple, originally dating back to the Solanki era. Central to the ritual is the temple's reservoir, known as the Papanshu Kund (the destroyer of sins). It is locally believed that this site was the original course of the Ganges river; thus, a dip in the temple tank is considered as auspicious as a swim in the holy Ganga.
The People and The Marriage Market
The fair is a vital social event for the Kolis, Rabaris, and Bharwads of Saurashtra. It serves as a matchmaking platform where young men and women find prospective spouses:
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The Attire: Men dress in colourful dhotis, embroidered waistcoats, and eye-catching turbans.
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The Custom: If a girl stops to talk to a man during the fair, it is a traditional sign that she has found the man of her choice.
Tarnetar Chhatris (Umbrellas)
The most iconic feature of the fair is the Tarnetar Chhatri. These umbrellas are:
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Meticulously embellished with mirror work, beadwork, and intricate embroidery.
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Hand-stitched by tribal bachelors for over a year to demonstrate their skill and patience to potential brides.
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Adorned with small colorful handkerchiefs around the edges to attract further attention.
Rhythm of Folk: Dance and Music
The fair is a unique synthesis of folk art. Key attractions include:
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Rasada: A captivating folk dance performed by hundreds of women moving gracefully in a single circle.
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Hudo Dance: A high-energy dance performed by the Bharwad community, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums and the Jodia Pava (double flutes).
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Activities: The fairgrounds feature over 300 stalls selling local handicrafts, ethnic jewelry, and traditional attire, alongside cattle shows and competitive rural sports.
Travel Information
Tarnetar is a small village in the Surendranagar district, located about 75 km from Rajkot and 200 km from Ahmedabad.
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Rail: The nearest railhead is Thangadh, just 8 km away.
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Road: State transport buses and private coaches connect the venue to major cities in Gujarat.
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Stay: Gujarat Tourism typically offers special packages including "Tent Villages" for visitors.
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