The Folk Fair of Tarnetar: Popular and Prestigious Heritage of Saurashtra

Published By : Admin | September 3, 2013 | 18:57 IST
"Oldest Folk Fair of Trinetreshwar "
"Popular and Prestigious Heritage of Saurashtra"

Tarnetar Fair

Tarnetar fair is an oldest and unique festival in Saurashtra, because of its religious and pious significance. This year the fair is to be held from 8th to 11th Septmber 2013.

Tarnetar is the corrupt word (Apabhransh in Hindi & Sanskrit) of Trinetreshwar i.e. a God with three eyes- namely lord Shiva- Shankar. This temple of tarnetar is located 65 Kms from Surendranagar District Head Quarter in South-West direction. There is a holy ancient temple believed to be constructed during the mahabharat times by pandavas.

Tarnetar Fair

There is also a kund (swimming pool) named “papnashi” cleanser of the sins pilgrims and other tourist before going to the darshan of the temple always take a bath dip in this kund. Its design is different, in the sense that this kund is “U’ shaped and it surrounds the temple from three sides.

Tarnetar fair is organized in the bright half shukla paksha of bhadrpad for three days i.e. 4th to 6th thitis. Normally 7/8 lakh pilgrims, bevellers and tourists gather to gather during the fair if there is good rainfall in Saurashtra. Apart from stalls of various items and eatables there are several giant wheels and merry go rounds; which the village folks do enjoy. Then of course some tattoo makers are there who paint name design and picture on the skins of hands, feet, wrists and even on neck, lips, checks of young boys and girls.

Tarnetar Fair

However main attraction of tarnetar is “Raas” Koli, Bharvad, maldhari (cattle breeders) young and old, in their traditional costumes, both bright and multicolored play vigorous “Raas” near open ground of the tarnetar mahadev temple. Shanai and Dhol (Drum) are played by the musician and people go on and on in a circle.

And of course at a little distance from this Raas, there are devotees who are singing Bhajans. These Bhajans are also sung round the clock. Tambura (string instrument) Manjira (cymbals) and Tabla, are played by the Bhajniks. During night time the crowds are larger and one can see groups of people lying on the grounds and relaxing or eating. They may sleep if tired, but normally the forget what fatigue is.

Another outstanding feature of Tarnetar Mela is Umbrella. Its black canopy is embroidered with artistic design in coloured threads with bright “Tikka” round and square shining metal chips stitched, and at times Ganesh, Shesh Naag, Goddess Amba and others are also embroidered. The spokes of the umbrella are tied with fancy colored hand-kerchief. A tall and stout Maladhari carries this “Chhatri” (umbrella) around the fair. While singing some “Dohas” and songs. In this fair these “Chhatriwala” are one of the main attraction.

Tarnetar Fair

This entire region is called “ Panchal Pradesh”, which has a direct connection with our religious and historic epic Maha Bharat. As per the popular belief and the legend. The Draupadi Swayamvar was held here near the Trinetreshwar Temple. A toy fish was hung a bamboo stick and Arjun was asked to pierce the fish with his arrow by looking at the image of that fish in the water of kunda. Where other princes had Arjuna had hit the fish and won the hand of Draupadi.

There is another and most popular and powerful belief for organizing Tarnetar fair. It is said that Gangaji is surfacing in this kund on the 5th of bright half of Bhadrapada month of hindu calendar. So to take a dip in the kund is considered to very pious. Hence the fair and festival.

As the time of this fair and artistic exposure spread film and photo artists from all over India and abroad started coming to tarnetar. Then loud speakers, morden media of publicity also came. The tourism department started setting up huts and tents for foreign and Indian tourists. This sophistication has some adverse effect also poor villager are shy of coming and mixing with those jins & T-shirts doing city youth with cola culture. But still the grandeur and importance of Tarnetar is as good as ever.

Tarnetar Fair

The Government of Gujarat has started to encourage the young village youth to show their worth and vigour in numerous village games and also artistic imagination and decorating carts, bullock and horses with their zool(artistic cloth cover their body) winner are given prices.

The credit for entire successful management of tarnetar fair goes to Gram panchayat and The District administration both revenue and police are efficiently and economically provides full facility to the visitor and devotee.

Tarnetar Fair

Tarnetar Fair

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World leaders congratulate PM Modi on becoming India’s longest serving democratically elected PM in consecutive terms
June 10, 2026

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has received congratulatory messages from several Heads of State and Government from across the world on becoming India’s longest continuously serving democratically elected Prime Minister.

Prime Minister of Bhutan H.E, Tshering Tobgay congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, describing him as a friend, brother and mentor.

“To Prime Minister @narendramodi, My Friend, My Brother, My Mentor.”

President of Sri Lanka, H.E Anura Kumara Dissanayake extended warm congratulations to Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and noted Sri Lanka’s commitment to further strengthening the enduring ties between the two countries. The High Commission of Sri Lanka in India also conveyed President Dissanayake’s message reaffirming the close and enduring partnership between India and Sri Lanka.

“I extend my warm congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi on becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in the history of India. Sri Lanka values our close partnership and looks forward to further strengthening the enduring ties between our two nations.”

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Prime Minister Malaysia, H.E Anwar Ibrahim of congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on the historic milestone and described it as a testament to his years of dedicated public service and leadership. He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding opportunities for the people of both countries.

“Heartiest congratulations to PM Modi on this historic milestone of becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. This achievement stands as a testament to his years of dedicated public service and leadership in advancing India’s development, prosperity and standing on ysia values its close and longstanding friendship with India, and I look forward to continuing our cooperation in strengthening bilateral ties and expanding opportunities for our peoples. I wish PM Modi continued success and the people of India continued peace, progress and prosperity.

#MalaysiaMADANI

#MADANIbekerja

#YakinMADANI”

President of Nigeria, H.E Bola Ahmed Tinubu of congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on the achievement, noting the trust and confidence reposed in his leadership by the people of India across three consecutive mandates. President Tinubu highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s contribution to strengthening India-Nigeria relations and wished him continued health, wisdom and success.

“I warmly congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi @narendramodi on the historic milestone of becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister.

This remarkable achievement reflects the enduring confidence and trust the people of India have reposed in his leadership over tes. His dedication to public service, commitment to national development, and influential leadership on the global stage continue to inspire millions worldwide.

Beyond being a great friend of Nigeria, Prime Minister Modi is a personal friend and trusted ally whom I can always count on. Over the years, I have come to deeply admire his wisdom, courage, and commitment to the progress and prosperity of his nation.

As a distinguished recipient of Nigeria’s national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), he has also contributed immensely to strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.

On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I wish Prime Minister Modi continued good health, wisdom, and success as he leads India to even greater heights.

— Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Presidential Villa, Abuja

June 9, 2026”

President of the Maldives, H.E Dr Mohamed Muizzu conveyed warm congratulations to Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister by consecutive days in office and expressed his country’s desire to further strengthen cooperation with India based on mutual respect, sovereign equality and shared interests.

“Warm congratulations to His Excellency Prime Minister @narendramodi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister by consecutive days in office.

The Maldives looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with India, guided by mutual respect, sovereign equality, and shared interests.”

President of Kenya, H.E William Samoei Ruto congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on the historic milestone, describing it as a reflection of the trust and confidence placed in his leadership by the people of India. He also expressed Kenya’s commitment to deepening cooperation with India for the mutual benefit of both nations.

“Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on attaining a historic milestone in public service, as today you become the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India’s history.

This reflects the trust and confidence reposed in your leadership by the people of India across tes in the world’s largest democracy.

Your journey from humble beginnings to this position is a testament to dedication, perseverance and public service.

Kenya values its strong and enduring partnership with India and looks forward to deepening cooperation for the mutual benefit of our peoples.

Best wishes for continued success and service to the people of India.”

President of the Republic of Korea, H.E Lee Jae-myung congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister in the history of India. He acknowledged Prime Minister Modi’s role in India’s development and progress and expressed confidence in further advancing the Korea-India Special Strategic Partnership.

“이재명 @Jaemyung_Lee (President of South Korea)

“माननीय प्रधानमंत्री @narendramodi

मैं आपको दुनिया के सबसे बड़े लोकतंत्र भारत के सबसे लंबे समय तक सेवा करने वाले प्रधानमंत्री बनने पर हार्दिक बधाई देता हूँ।

आपने कई वर्षों तक भारत के विकास और प्रगति का नेतृत्व किया है तथा अंतरराष्ट्रीय समुदाय में भारत की प्रतिष्ठा को ऊँचा उठाने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई है। मुझे विश्वास है कि यह उपलब्धि भारत के लोगों द्वारा आपके नेतृत्व पर जताए गए भरोसे को दर्शाती है।

अप्रैल में हमने कोरिया-भारत विशेष रणनीतिक साझेदारी को और आगे बढ़ाने तथा विकास और नवाचार से भरे भविष्य के निर्माण के लिए मिलकर काम करने पर सहमति जताई थी। मैं आपके साथ विश्वास और मित्रता को आगे बढ़ाने तथा हमारे दोनों देशों के लोगों के लिए लाभकारी ठोस परिणाम प्राप्त करने की आशा करता हूँ।

मैं आपके उत्तम स्वास्थ्य और भारत के लोगों के सुख, समृद्धि और खुशहाली की कामना करता हूँ।“

Prime Minister of Italy, H.E Giorgia Meloni congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India’s history. She recalled their recent meeting in Rome and expressed her commitment to advancing the Special Strategic Partnership between India and Italy for the benefit of both nations and their peoples.

“Giorgia Meloni@GiorgiaMeloni

Translated from Italian

Congratulations to

@narendramodi

who today becomes the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in the history of India.

It has been a pleasure to meet again in Rome in recent weeks and to launch together a Special Strategic Partnership that looks to the future to create new opportunities for our Nations and our peoples.”

Prime Minister of Denmark H.E. Mette Frederiksen congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on the distinction of being the longest uninterrupted serving democratically elected Prime Minister of India. She expressed her desire to continue working with Prime Minister Modi and to further strengthen and expand the partnership between the two countries into new areas.

“PM Frederiksen: “Congratulations on the distinction of the longest
uninterrupted service as democratically elected PM of India @narendramodi. I look forward to continuing working with you and to further strengthening and expanding our partnership to new areas.” 

President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Nikos Christodoulides congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister in India’s history. He described the milestone as a reflection of years of dedicated service and leadership. President Christodoulides reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment to further deepening cooperation with India and strengthening the strategic partnership for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.

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Prime Minister of Greece, H.E. Kyriakos Mitsotakis congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. He expressed his commitment to further deepening the strategic partnership and cooperation between Greece and India and highlighted the shared objective of building stronger bridges between Europe and Asia for the benefit of their peoples.

“Congratulations @narendramodi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. I look forward to further deepening our strategic partnership and cooperation. Together, Greece & India will continue building bridges between Europe and Asia for the benefit of our peoples.”