The largest fair of Bikaner, Kapil Muni Fair is
named after the Kapil who was a great sage, believed to have done
'tapasya' here for the redemption of mankind. Kapil Muni has been
mentioned in Puranas and has been said to descend from Lord Brahma (the
creator of the world) himself. Kolayat was originally known as
Kapilayatan and is an oasis in an arid area. It has a lake with Banyan
trees all around providing shade to its 52 ghats. The Kapil Muni Ghat
houses a temple with a marble statue of Kapil Muni.
It is said that a holy dip in the Kolayat Lake at Kartik Punima redeems
oneself. People from different communities float lighted lamps in the
holy lake as a part of the rituals, which looks very beautiful and offer
coconut, 'batasha' (sugar drops), dry fruits, 'mishri' (sugar cubes) and
cash at the temples. They also sing songs in the praise of Kapil Muni.
The lakeside is studded with temples, and the Ghats are named after
these temples. Some ghats are meant only for women. The pilgrimage to
Kolayat is said to be worth 10 years spent at any other sacred place.
A cattle fair is also organized where buffaloes, camels and horses and
cattle are traded and certificates and prizes are awarded to the best
breeders at the fair.
Kapil Muni fair is celebrated in the memory of Kapil
Muni. Read more about Kapil Muni fair of Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Kapil Muni Fair
| Location: | Kolayat, 50 km from distric headquarters at Bikaner, Rajasthan. |
| Significance: | Held in the honor of Kapil Muni, the venerated saint who meditated here to redeem mankind. |
| Time of Celebration: | Kartik Purnima (the full moon day, according to the Hindu calendar), that usually falls in January. |
