The festive ambience during the Nagaur Fair of Rajasthan is permeated by the bellows of the cattle that are decorated by their owners and the general buzz that is associated with fairs such as these. The Nagaur Fair is well known all over the state of Rajasthan and the special guests of honor at this fair are- Cattle! Yes, Nagaur Fair of Rajasthan is has the unique distinction of being the second largest cattle fair in India.

Nagaur Fair of Rajasthan is one of the largest eight days cattle fair in the country, held annually during the month of Magh, between late January and early February. Nagaur awakens with the thronging of cattle, horses and camels accompanied by their colourfully turbaned owners. Nagaur is a sea of animals, trading over 70,000 bullocks, horses and about 25,000 camels on display every year. The quaint town of Nagaur, one of the most picturesque of Rajput townships, stirs to life during the Nagaur Fair of Rajasthan. Nagaur, a town in Rajasthan is located in between Bikaner and Jodhpur of Rajasthan, is mainly noteworthy for the rustic rural charm and colorful life seen on the way. If you are thinking that the Nagaur Fair is just a regular cattle fair, you are mistaken; Shearing sheep, handsome marwari horses to spices all compiled in one fair. The owners of the animals from all over Rajasthan come and camp around the outskirts of Nagaur while they buy and sell animals.

The fair is organized by the Animal Husbandry Department and the Rajasthan Tourism Department also participates in it. Animal Husbandry Department controls the trading of this huge cattle market where as many as 2,00,000 livestock are brought and sold by some 80,000 farmers coming from as far as Punjab, Haryana.

History of Nagaur Fair in Rajasthan, India

It was bestowed upon Balban as his jagir in 1242. Sher Shah captured Nagaur in 1542 A.D. Nagaur was a sarkar of Ajmer subah during Sur Empire and later in Mughal Empire in India. Emperor Akbar built the mosque here, and there is a shrine of the disciple of Mu'inuddin Chishti of Ajmer.

Breed Bargains at the Nagaur Fair in Rajasthan, India

The fair of Rajasthan is renowned for trading in cows, bullocks, camels and horses. People come from hundreds of miles away to buy and sell. There is earnest bargaining between owners and buyers, and plenty of fun and festivity. The camels are very highly prized and their owners take meticulous care of them. The bullocks of Nagaur are renowned for their fitness and attract a large number of buyers. There are horse and camel races as well as dancing and singing. Not only are the animals lavishly decorated, even their owners flaunt wearing colourful turbans and long moustaches.

Shopping and Recreation at the Nagaur Fair in Rajasthan, India

Mirchi Bazaar (Red Chilly Market), the main attraction of the fair of Rajasthan, is a great place to shop for local handicrafts, wooden items, leather accessories and ethnic jewelry. Even the hides of animals are cut into different patterns and shapes and are sold to the customers. 

Various games are organized during this four-day festival of Rajasthan. Sports like tug-of-war, camel races, bullock races and cock fights; jugglers; puppeteers, story-tellers; and exciting campfire evenings are held to entertain the tourists. As it nears evening, folk singers and artists descend on the spot to entertain the visitors and enthrall them with their lively performances. Bonfires and gaily-decorated camps add more color and excitement, which makes a visit to the Nagaur Fair a truly memorable experience. Please note that the Nagaur Fair was held from 25th to 28th of February in the year 2007.

Location and Transport of the Nagaur Fair in Rajasthan, India

Nagaur is located 135 km from Jodhpur Airport and 85 km from Bikaner in Rajasthan, India. Jodhpur lies near the geographic center of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists.

Nagaur By Air
The Nearest airport to Nagaur is at Jodhpur (135 km). Jodhpur is well connected to all the major cities which include Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Jaipur and Udaipur of Rajasthan.
 
Nagaur By Bus
Nagaur is 62 km away from Merta and 85 km from Bikaner. Merta is well connected by Road with all major cities and Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe & air conditioned buses from Delhi (Bikaner House, Nr. India Gate) to Jodhpur and Bikaner of Rajasthan. The roads are very good, and it takes around 8-9 hrs from Jodhpur of Rajasthan. You can also come by taxi. The bus stand is right outside the Rai ka Bagh Station.

Nagaur By Train
The Nearest Railway station to Nagaur is at Merta Road (62 km) or Jodhpur Station is another option. Jodhpur is on the Broad Gauge and hence connected to all the metro cities of India. There are daily trains from Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Jodhpur has two railway stations; City and Rai ka Bagh both are outside the walled city.

Distance of important cities from Jodhpur of Rajasthan
Jaipur of Rajasthan: 343 Km
Jaisalmer of Rajasthan: 295 kms
Mount Abu of Rajasthan: 264 kms
Udaipur of Rajasthan: 275 kms
Ajmer of Rajasthan: 205kms
Agra: 577 kms.
Bikaner of Rajasthan: 245kms
Delhi: 602 kms
 
Facts of the Nagaur Fair of Rajasthan in India

Time: Hindu Month of Magh (Jan-Feb)
Venue: Nagaur, Jodhpur of Rajasthan
How to Reach: Buses connect Nagaur to all major cities of Rajasthan while Trains connect it to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner and Delhi via Merta Road of Rajasthan.
Significance: It is the second largest cattle fair of Rajasthan where bullocks, camels and horses are traded. 
Highlights: The biggest Mirchi (red chili) Bazaar (market) of India is also organized at the fair. Other attractions are tug-of-war, camel races, bullock races, cockfights, etc.