The fairs and festivals of Rajasthan play an important role in attracting thousands of tourists from all around the world. Baneshwar is one such festival that has started to catch the attention of the travelers in the recent year. It is celebrated in the Dungapur district of Rajasthan.

Baneshwar is basically a religious festival of the Bhil tribal community. Every year in the months of January-Feburary the people of the Bhil community of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh gather at the confluence of the Mahi and Som Rivers. It is an important festival of this community and held great religious values for them. This festival lasts for four days and during this period the people take holy dip in the rivers and immerse the ashes of their dead relatives. Baneshwar festival is dedicated to Kalki who is the tenth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A lot of domestic and international travelers visit Dungapur during the festive celebrations of Baneshwar.

History and Legend associated with Baneshwar Fair:
The present form of this fair is actually a result of the merger of two fairs. One fair was dedicated to Baneshwar Mahadev and the other was started after the completion of the Vishnu temple by Janakunwari. The fair was held on the day when the idol of Lord Vishnu was established in the temple. Since that day these fairs combined together and the Baneshwar festival was stated.
Rituals of Baneshwar Fair:
On the first day of this festival the main priest known as Mathadhish arrives from Sabla in a huge procession along with a silver image of Mavji. After that he takes a dip in the river along with other devotees and they immerse the ashes of their dead relatives. Next day saffron is applied to the shivalinga and a grand aarti is performed. Wheat flour, pulses, ghee, jaggery, salt, coconut and cash is offered in the temple. In the evening Raslila is performed in the temple complex.

Popular Activities Of The Baneshwar Festival:
Earlier in the evening folk dance and songs were sung and performed for praising the Lord Kalki and Shiva. Although this tradition is still prevalent but the younger generation has modified it according to the recent times. These days in the evening many cultural shows are organized. Besides that many magical, animal and acrobatic shows have become an important part of this festival. Apart from this many joy rides and swings are an added attraction of this festival. Travelers can indulge themselves in exciting shopping spree while visiting Baneshwar festival.