Nagaur, a city
in Rajasthan, presently has a population of nearly 33, 40,234. The summers are
hot and it has generally a dry climate. The city lies between Jodhapur and
Bikaner. Nagaur has been influenced by Sufi culture. Hazrat Hamiduddin, one of
the Sufi Saints followed the Hindu principles of Philosophy and became a strict
vegetarian. And also he reared a cow in his shrine. Now- a-days in the months
of January-February there is a big cattle fair every year. As the lands are dry
the people of this city are more inclined to cattle rearing than farming. In
the fair many kinds of animals are being sold (camels, horses and bullocks)
along with the cattle. The fair is conducted for 10 days.
The fitness test
is taken by the owner of the animals before bringing them to the fair. The
cattle owners wear turbans to draw the attention of many people. Even the
cattle are decorated with variety of garland and other accessories. The cattle
are known for their fitness and high price. The maximum price that a cattle /
horse can fetch is nearly Rs.10 Lakh. The camel undergo pace test before it is
put for sale in-front of the potential buyers. To prevent any attack the horns
of the livestock are blunted.
The place is
also known for its red chilli, which is one of the biggest in India. It is also
known for tug-of-wars, camel racing, bullock racing and cock fighting. The
villagers travel for the city and the fair by walking for 7 days in a bare
foot. Villages gather and spend their full time all along the 10 days in the
wide spread acres of barren land. The vibrancy of the fair is so huge that it
attracts many buyers and sellers from different corners of the country.