Classification of Fairs in Rajasthan

Typological Classification

Rajasthan's fairs can be classified by four primary criteria: religious function, ethnic/community character, economic purpose, and seasonal timing. Most major fairs combine more than one dimension — Pushkar is simultaneously a religious fair (Brahma temple), a cattle fair, and a seasonal fair at Kartik Purnima.

Type	Primary Function	Key Examples	District
Religious	Worship at pilgrimage sites	Pushkar, Kaila Devi, Ramdevra, Gogamedi, Khatu Shyamji	Ajmer, Karauli, Jaisalmer, Hanumangarh, Sikar
Tribal	Community gathering for Bhil/Meena tribes	Beneshwar, Goutameshwar, Sitabari	Dungarpur, Sirohi, Baran
Cattle/Livestock	Trade in cattle, camels, horses	Pushkar, Nagaur, Tilwara, Jhalarapatan	Ajmer, Nagaur, Barmer, Jhalawar
Seasonal	Agricultural cycle, women's festivals	Gangaur, Teej, Akha Teej, Makar Sankranti	State-wide

Source: Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, Mela Mahotsav Kalender 2024–25; Rajasthan Tourism Annual Report 2023–24

Administrative Classification (Rajasthan Fairs and Festivals Policy 2015)

The Rajasthan Fairs and Festivals Policy, 2015 classifies fairs by level:

• National/International level: Pushkar Fair, Desert Festival (Jaisalmer), Elephant Festival (Jaipur), Urs Ajmer — these receive Tourism Department "signature event" status and dedicated international marketing budgets.
• State level: Kaila Devi Fair, Gangaur (Jaipur), Gogamedi Fair, Beneshwar Fair, Ramdevra Fair — District Collectors chair organising committees.
• District level: ~50 designated fairs; District Administration provides basic infrastructure.
• Local level: Remaining 900+ fairs; managed by Gram Panchayats and Trusts.

The Tourism Department has identified 5 "signature events" for its "Padharo Mhare Desh" global campaign: Pushkar Camel Fair, Desert Festival Jaisalmer, Gangaur Jaipur, Elephant Festival Jaipur, and the Teej Festival Jaipur.

Geographic Distribution

Fairs are not evenly distributed across Rajasthan. Regional patterns by zone:

• Eastern and southern districts (Karauli, Tonk, Dungarpur, Banswara) — highest density of major religious fairs due to temple concentration
• Western Rajasthan (Jaisalmer, Barmer, Nagaur) — dominates cattle fairs due to the desert pastoral economy
• Northern Rajasthan (Hanumangarh, Churu, Sri Ganganagar) — hosts major folk deity fairs (Gogamedi, Bhadra Teej)

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