Chandrabhaga Cattle Fair

The Chandrabhaga Cattle Fair is an annual livestock fair held in the town of Chandrabhaga, located in the western part of Rajasthan, India. This fair typically takes place in February or March, coinciding with the full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna, and is one of the major events in the region’s agrarian and pastoral calendar.

The fair is primarily a cattle trading event, where farmers, traders, and breeders from across Rajasthan gather to buy and sell cattle, horses, camels, and other livestock. The fair also serves as a platform for the exchange of local agricultural goods, such as grains and handmade crafts.

In addition to the trading activities, the Chandrabhaga Cattle Fair is marked by traditional performances of Rajasthani folk music, dance, and cultural exhibitions. One of the main attractions is the camel race and camel decoration competitions, where camels, adorned in vibrant fabrics and jewelry, parade through the fairground, drawing both locals and tourists.

The fair offers an insight into rural Rajasthan’s traditions and is an important event for the local pastoral communities, fostering both trade and cultural exchange. It is a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the lifestyle, music, food, and vibrant culture of Rajasthan’s desert region.

This fair is held every year during the month of Jan-Feb, is popularly known as the Cattle fair and is the second largest in Rajasthan. Nagaur Town is the most picturesque of Rajput townships. Nagaur is a sea of animals, trading over 70,000 bullocks, camels and horses every year. The bullocks are known for their fleetness. Not only are the animals lavishly decorated, even their owners flaunt wearing colourful turbans and long moustaches. 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. Folk music of the Jodhpur variation echoes the tranquil desert sand. Nagaur is well connected to the major cities by road and rail. Nearest airport is Jodhpur, some 135kms away.