Origin: The Karni Mata Fair began as a local religious gathering aimed at honouring the life and deeds of Karni Mata. According to legend, Karni Mata performed many miracles, including reviving the dead and taming the fiercest animals, which led her followers to believe in her divine power. Over time, these gatherings grew into organized fairs, structured to accommodate the growing number of devotees and tourists eager to participate. The unique relationship between Karni Mata and the sacred rats, believed to be reincarnations of her devotees, adds a distinct aspect to the fair and the temple. It transcends mere ritual; it is a celebration of faith, communal bonding, and cultural preservation. The Karni Mata Fair is held twice each year in Deshnok, a small town near Bikaner. The first and largest fair is held in March-April during the Navratras of Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi and Chaitra Shukla Dashami. The second fair is held in September-October, also during the Navratras, from Ashvin Shukla Ekadashi to Ashwin Shukla Dashami. During these nine-day Navratri celebrations, the temple remains open day and night, allowing worshippers to pay homage and offer prayers.
Venue: Located in Deshnok, about 30 kilometre from Bikaner, the Karni Mata Temple is the focal point of the fair. Built in traditional Nagar architectural style with marble façades, silver doors, and intricate carvings, the temple exudes grandeur while preserving simplicity. It includes a sanctum where the idol of Karni Mata is placed, surrounded by areas where the rats move freely. One of the temple's most striking features is the presence of thousands of black and a few rare white rats, known as "kabbas." These rats are considered holy, and spotting a white rat is believed to be an especially auspicious sign. The rats are fed and protected by temple authorities and devotees alike, with measures in place to ensure their safety. The temple complex is structured to facilitate easy access for devotees.
Rituals and Activities: The celebration of the Karni Mata Fair is a blend of religious rituals, cultural performances, and social gatherings. The fair begins with elaborate ‘puja’ ceremonies, conducted by temple priests. The ‘aarti’, a form of devotional worship with fire, is performed daily to honour Karni Mata, accompanied by the chanting of bhajans (devotional songs). Devotees bring offerings such as coconuts, sweets, and flowers. Many choose to offer milk, grains, and sweets to the holy rats, as this is believed to be a way to seek the blessings of Karni Mata.
Traditional Rajasthani music and dance play a crucial role in the fair. Local artists perform folk songs and dances like Ghoomar and Kalbelia, which capture the vibrancy of Rajasthani culture. The story of Karni Mata and her miracles is enacted through folk theatre performances, where actors depict scenes from her life. These dramatizations provide insights into the values and beliefs upheld by Karni Mata and her devotees. Artisans set up stalls to showcase handmade crafts, textiles, jewellery, and pottery. These items, unique to the Rajasthani culture, offer visitors a chance to take home a piece of the region’s heritage.
A grand procession known as Mata ki Sawari (the Goddess’s ride) is held, where an idol of Karni Mata is carried through the fairgrounds on a decorated palanquin. This procession is accompanied by devotees singing and dancing in her honour. People dress in traditional Rajasthani attire during the procession, with men wearing turbans and women in colourful ‘ghagras’ (long skirts) and ‘odhnis’ (scarves).
Cultural Aspects: The Karni Mata Fair offers a glimpse into Rajasthan’s rich cultural fabric, with elements that reflect the values of communal harmony, reverence for nature, and preservation of ancestral traditions. People of Rajasthan take great pride in their attire, especially during festivals. Visitors can witness the region's traditional attire, with intricate jewellery and vibrant colours that add to the fair’s visual appeal. The fairgrounds host a variety of food stalls offering traditional Rajasthani delicacies such as ‘dal baati churma’, ‘kachori’, and ‘ghewar’. Food is an integral part of the celebration, allowing visitors to experience the flavours of Rajasthan. Local artisans display their works, including embroidered textiles, hand-painted pottery, silver jewellery and miniature paintings. These crafts are not just commodities but represent the cultural legacy of Rajasthan.
Preparations: Organizing the Karni Mata Fair requires meticulous planning and collaboration between temple authorities, local government, and volunteers. Preparation for the fair begins months in advance, ensuring that the event runs smoothly and all facilities are in place for visitors. The temple complex is cleaned and decorated with flowers, colourful banners, and lights. Intricate rangoli (colourful patterns) are drawn at the entrance to welcome devotees. Temporary tents, food stalls, and resting areas are set up for visitors. Medical aid centres and information kiosks are strategically located across the fairgrounds. With the influx of large crowds, security is a priority. Police and security personnel are deployed to manage crowd control, and CCTV cameras are installed for monitoring. Safety measures also extend to protecting the sacred rats and maintaining cleanliness in the temple premises.
The Karni Mata Fair has gained popularity among international tourists who are fascinated by its unique customs and the sanctity surrounding the rats. The fair generates significant economic benefits for the region, particularly for small-scale artisans, food vendors, and local businesses. It also boosts the hospitality industry, with increased demand for accommodations, transportation, and food services.