Kaila Devi - Festival or Fair

Festival or Fair

The annual fair of Kaila Devi, (Mahalakshmi or the goddess of wealth), is held at the village Kaila in the month of Chaitra (Mar-Apr), lasting for a fortnight. Another attraction is the small temple dedicated to Bhairon, situated in the courtyard and facing the shrine of Kaila Devi is a temple of Hanuman locally called 'Languriya'.

Approximately 200,000 devotees gather during the fair. The ritual of Kanak-Dandotis is observed by staunch devotees. They cover a distance of 15 to 20 km to reach the temple, not on foot but by lying prostrate, making lines with their hands in that position, advancing up to the line drawn and repeating this procedure till they reach the temple.

While some eat food and take rest during the journey, others endure the rigors of the ritual without these.

Groups of Mina tribesmen arrive in a spirit of gaiety dancing, singing and creating a lively atmosphere. The spacious courtyard becomes the venue for dances and songs sung in praise of the guardian deity.

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