Sitabari Mela | Sitabari Fair, Rajasthan

Sitabari Fair, Rajasthan: Sitabari Mela or Sitabari Fair is biggest fair of Sahariya tribe of south-east rajastha, Sitabari fair is also referred as Kumbh in the Sahariya tribe. Holy Dip in Kunds at Sitabari FairHoly place Sitabri is about 45 Km. from the Baran city near the Kelwara Kasba. A big tribal fair is organised here on Jeshta Amavasya. The place has number of "Kunds" attributed to Sita, Laxman, Surya, Lav & Kush and taking a holy dip in them is considered auspicious. The Swyambar (marriage function) of Sahariya tribes is organised in this fair where people comes from all over Rajasthan state and adjoining Madhya Pradesh. A Sahariya boy drops the handkerchief for proposing Sahariya Purchasing at tribal fair girl in the fair, if the Sahariya girl accepts the Handkerchief, it is said that they are agreed for marriage. The bride and grooms take the 7 rounds (sat phere) of the Barnawa tree and after the blessings of their parents they are accepted as married couple.

Sitabari Fair derives its name from the place where it is held, that is Sitabari. It is a small-town but has tremendous religious significance to the Hindus as Sita, wife of Lord Rama, had stayed here. Thus, the place derives its name from this mythological belief. According to the Hindu Mythology, when Sita maa (wife of Lord Rama), was serving her period of banishment, she had stayed here.When Sita felt thirsty, Laksman ,her brother-in-law, shot an arrow in the ground that resulted in the spring of water. This stream is called “Lakshman Babhuka”. The Fair of Sitabari lays its roots in the importance of the town of Sitabari, according to the Hindu mythology.