The
annual fair of Kaila Devi, (Mahalakshmi or the goddess of wealth), is held at
the village Kaila (24 kms to the south west) in Karauli district in the month
of Chaitra (Mar-Apr), lasting for a fortnight.
The temple of Kaila Devi is located on the banks of the Kalisil river in the
hills of Trikut, 2 Kms. to the north-west of Kaila village. Another attraction
is the small temple dedicated to Bhairon, situated in the courtyard and facing
the shrine of Kaila Devi is a temple of Hanuman locally called 'Languriya'.
Approximately 2 lakh devotees gather during the fair. The ritual of Kanak-Dandotis
is observed by staunch devotees. They cover a distance of 15 to 20 Kms to reach
the temple, not on foot but by lying prostrate, making lines with their hands
in that position, advancing up to the line drawn and repeating this procedure
till they reach the temple.
While some eat food and take rest during the journey, others endure the rigours
of the ritual without these.
Groups of Mina tribesmen arrive in a spirit of gaiety
dancing, singing and creating a lively atmosphere.
The spacious courtyard becomes the venue for dances and songs sung in praise
of the guardian deity.
The nearest rail-head is Hindaun at a distance of about 48 Kms. Shri Mahavirji
is another rail-head of the Western Railway near Kaila. The site is approachable
by well maintained roads from Karauli, Hindaun and Mahavirji.
During the fair, the State Transport as well as private operators provide bus
services keeping in mind the huge inflow of pilgrims.
Kailadevi Fair, Rajasthan Fairs
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