Karni
Mata Fair is held twice a year at Deshnok, a small town near Nokha in Bikaner
district. The first and larger fair is held in March-April during the Navratras
from Chaitra Shukla Ekam to Chaitra Shukla Dashmi. The second fair is held in
September-October, also during the Navratras, from Ashvin Shukla to Ashwin Shukla
Dashmi.
Karni Mata was an ascetic who led a righteous life dedicated to the service
and uplifting of the poor and downtrodden of all communities. It is believed
that she possessed supernatural powers.
The Foundation of Deshnok was laid by her and she has been worshipped as a goddess
by her principal followers, Charans, as well as the rulers of Bikaner, who regarded
her as the patron deity. The Karni Mata Fair is held in her honour.
The Karni Mata temple at Deshnok is a stone and marble structure and is also
known as Madh. Inside the shrine, a 75 cms. image of Kami Mata adorned with
a mukut (tiara) and garlands is installed.
Her image is accompanied by the images of her sisters and the sisters of Avad
Mata. The Rajputs bring their children on Jadula (their first hair cut) and
place them at the deity's feet for blessing.
The Temple is thrown open to the public early in the
morning at 4.00 a.m. Charan priests perform Mangla-Ki-Aarti and offer bhog (special
food) as worship. A peculiar characteristic of the temple is the legion of brown
cats roaming about in large numbers in the temple.
They are considered auspicious and the devotees make offerings. Two kinds of
offerings, the 'dwar-bhent' is attributed to the priests and the workers. The
'kalash-bhent' is utilised for the temple maintenance and development.
Karni Mata Fair, Rajasthan Fairs
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