Tarnetar - The Land of Folk Traditions and the Famous Fair
Majorly known for Tarnetar Fair, Tarnetar Village is located in the Surendranagar district in the state of Gujarat. This tranquil village is famous for Trinetreshwar Temple where the aforementioned fair is held every year. The temple is the finest architectural specimen and an aesthetically appealing beauty which is a great reason for pride for the village.
History of Tarnetar
While the village was a hidden gem for a long time, it is now a major tourist attraction courtesy Tarnetar Fair. This fair has brought international recognition to Tarnetar Village as every year, thousands of tourists visit Tarnetar Village between August and September to witness this unique 3-day festival. According to the legends and the local villagers, the fair is organized on similar lines as Draupadi’s Swayamwar during the times of Mahabharata.
Tribal bachelor men get dressed in traditional attire, wearing fancy headgears and carrying a hand-embroidered umbrella to showcase their artisanal skills and impress the bachelor tribal girls. People from multiple Gujarati tribes such as Charan, Kathi, Kanbi, Rabari, Koli, and Bharwad participate in the fair. Locals claim that the fair has been taking place for more than 200 years and initially, the festival was participated only by bachelors who were granted the freedom to choose their partners on their own.
Tarnetar is also known for Trinetreshwar Temple which is believed to be constructed in the Solanki Era in Gujarat between 950 to 1300 CE. The Pratihar Kings are believed to have made it who were worshippers of Lord Shiva and were great architects. The design of the temple is exquisite and there are 33 deities carved on its walls with utmost perfection. There are three kundas (water bodies) around the temple which are highly sacred, and it is believed that a dip in the holy waters of these kundas is equal to that of River Ganges.
Major Attractions in and Around Tarnetar
1. Trinetreshwar Temple
Trinetreshwar is an ancient temple in the village of Tarnetar. The temple is no less than an ornament from the time of the Gujarat Pratihar rule. The temple is the attribute of the Pratihar reign and hence is quite significant to people of the village. The designs sculpted on the temple are extraordinary and attract a lot of people, eventually leading to boosted tourism in the village.
2. Tarnetar Mela
Attend one of the most fun and unique fairs of the state of Gujarat known as Tarnetar Mela. People from around the state come to experience the fair and enjoy the culture of the state.
3. Camel and Bullock Cart Races
A unique spectacle that reflects Gujarat’s rural traditions and festive spirit.
Things to Do in Tarnetar
- Experience the Tarnetar Fair and its vibrant cultural festivities.
- Take a holy dip in the kund at Trinetreshwar Mahadev Temple.
- Explore traditional handicrafts and shop for beautiful mirror-work textiles.
- Witness Gujarat’s unique matchmaking tradition during the fair.
- Enjoy folk music, dance, and acrobatics performed by talented artists.
Best Time to Visit Tarnetar
- August – September - Ideal for experiencing the Tarnetar Fair, held during the Bhadarva month of the Hindu calendar (usually late August or early September).
- November – February - Pleasant winter weather makes it a good time for temple visits and exploring the local culture.
- Avoid May – July - Summers can be extremely hot, making outdoor exploration uncomfortable.
How to Reach Tarnetar
To reach Tarnetar, you will need to cover a total distance of about 1,070, 1,414, 2,259, 1,639 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here are the details on how you can travel to Tarnetar by the following means of transport.
By Air
The nearest airport is in Rajkot Airport (RAJ) which is 90 km from Tarnetar and the nearest international airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD), Ahmedabad, that is situated 200 km from the village. Both the airports receive direct and connecting flights from all parts of the country hence travelling by air will not be problematic at all. From the airport, you will need to continue your journey by some public transport.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Tarnetar
By Train
The Than Junction Railway Station is the nearest station to reach Tarnetar situated 10-15 km away. Several express and superfast trains arrive at the station from major cities and states of India offering good train connectivity. From the station, you will need to board some means of public transport to reach your destination.
By Road
Depending upon your location, you can consider travelling to Tarnetar by road network as well. From nearby destinations, you can board buses (state-run and private) to reach here easily at affordable rates. Apart from that, you can also consider booking private taxis or take your own vehicle to travel here.
- From Udaipur - 470 km via NH27
- From Vadodra - 257 km via NH64
- From Ahmedabad - 177 km via NH947
Frequently Asked Questions about Tarnetar
Q: What is Tarnetar famous for?
A: Tarnetar is most famous for the Tarnetar Fair, a vibrant cultural festival featuring folk music, dance, handicrafts, and traditional matchmaking rituals. It is also known for the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Temple, a historic Shiva temple linked to the Mahabharata.
Q: What is Tarnetar Mela?
A: Tarnetar Mela is an annual fair held in memory of Lord Shiva. It is one of the most popular fairs in Gujarat, India.
Q: Is there an entry fee for the Tarnetar Fair?
A: No, the Tarnetar Fair is free for visitors. However, certain attractions, rides, or activities inside the fair may have separate charges.
Q: Is Tarnetar a good place for a family trip?
A: Yes! Tarnetar is a culturally rich and family-friendly destination, perfect for experiencing Gujarat’s folk traditions, music, and historical temples. The Tarnetar Fair is especially enjoyable for people of all ages.
