Baneswar Fair on Magh Purnima, February 12

Baneswar Dham, located at the confluence of the Som and Mahi rivers, has been a witness to the convergence of folk cultures for over five centuries. The Baneswar Fair has various legends associated with it. While some believe the fair started during the time of Maharaj Mavji, others suggest it is only about 100 years old. However, according to historical facts, the fair was established nearly five centuries ago during the reign of Rawal Askarn. Over the years, the fair has seen ups and downs, but it is undeniable that Sant Mavji's divine actions and teachings greatly popularized the fair and made it synonymous with his name.

**A Center of Faith for Centuries**

The significance of the Som-Mahi Sagar Sangam Tirth has been mentioned in several ancient texts, especially in the Skand Purana, where it is described as one of the holiest pilgrimage sites. The confluence of the Som and Mahi rivers at this place is considered sacred, and for centuries, the tribal community has been performing the immersion of their ancestors' ashes here. In the 16th century, Rawal Askarn organized the first fair at this site to accommodate the large number of people coming for this purpose. Dr. Mahesh Purohit, a renowned historian from Dungarpur, mentions this in his book "Baneswar: Som-Mahi Sagar Sangam Tirth." According to Purohit, Rawal Askarn organized the fair to provide a structured environment for the public and facilitated its economic growth, also establishing a Shiva temple at Baneswar. Over time, the fair became a significant gathering for Shaiva devotees.

**Two Fairs Initially**

It is believed that during Maharawal Shiv Singh's time, Sant Mavji, who is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna, appeared. Mavji Maharaj made Baneswar his place of penance, and it is said that he performed Ras Leela at the Abu Darra ghats. As a result, devotional gatherings were initiated, eventually evolving into the Baneswar fair. Initially, there were two separate fairs for Shaiva and Hari devotees. Mavji Maharaj considered both Hari and Har (Shiva) as one and soon the two fairs merged into one large Baneswar Fair.

**The Fair Was Suspended for 16 Years in the 19th Century**

Historian Dr. Purohit notes that the fair continued traditionally for years, attracting merchants from all over. However, due to a boundary dispute between the princely states of Dungarpur and Banswara, the fair was suspended from 1849 to 1865. The issue was resolved in favor of the Dungarpur state, and the fair resumed in 1866. 

**Publication of Fair Notices in Dungarpur Gazette**

After a few years, Maharawal Shiv Singh revived the fair. To promote the event, the state's cavalry, messengers, and soldiers would go to neighboring states and regions to invite traders and visitors. Notices about the fair were even published in the Dungarpur state's official gazette. Due to the fair's association with Sant Mavji's penance and Ras Leela, the enthusiasm for the fair grew significantly.

**Tax Exemption to Encourage Traders**

To attract and encourage merchants from distant places, Maharawal Shiv Singh granted a five-year tax exemption. In contrast, the Banswara state imposed a tax of 9 rupees per bullock cart on traders entering the state. The tax was later waived off after mediation. After Maharawal Shiv Singh, Maharawal Udaysingh II also played a significant role in promoting the fair. He ensured that the devotees and traders had confidence in the event by personally staying at the fair for five days with his entourage. The British administration also stationed military units at the fair to ensure the safety of the pilgrims and traders.

**Merchants Came from Across the Country**

According to Dr. Purohit, the Baneswar Fair has long been a regional commercial event, with merchants from all over India participating. Traders from Jalandhar brought churna and vati, Khambhat brought coconuts, and traders from Aligarh brought bags for sale. Merchants from Gujarat (Ahmedabad, Mohasa, Visnagar, and others) and from places like Ratlam, Burhanpur, Javra, Jodhpur, and even Bombay and Pune participated.

**The Fair Brought Substantial Revenue to the State**

From the beginning of the fair until the merger of princely states into Rajasthan, the fair was organized by the Dungarpur state. The state earned revenue from taxes collected from the merchants. In 1868, the fair contributed 83,208 rupees to the state's treasury, which increased to 210,403 rupees the following year.

**International Recognition of Baneswar Fair**

After independence, the administration took over the organization of the fair, initially at the Asphur Tehsil level, and later the responsibility was handed to the Panchayat Samiti Asphur. When the Sabla Panchayat Samiti was established, the responsibility for organizing the fair shifted to them. The fair gained international recognition over time. It now includes not only commercial activities but also entertainment and cultural events. The administration organizes sports and cultural programs to attract tourists. The number of visitors has grown to millions, and the fair has become an important cultural and spiritual event.

**Traditional Beginning with Sacred Bathing**

The fair traditionally begins on Magh Ekadashi, with a procession carrying the palanquins of Mahant Achyutnand Maharaj and Lord Nishkalank from the Sabla Harimandir to Baneswar Dham. After taking a sacred bath at the Abu Darra ghats, devotees offer handwoven clothes as a gift, which are then worn by the devotees before entering the Radha Krishna temple.

**The Scene of Vrindavan Comes Alive**

In his book, "Shri Mavji Jeevan Darpan," author and literary critic Ravindra D. Pandya describes Mavji Maharaj's life and his association with Baneswar. According to legend, Sant Mavji performed Ras Leela on the night of Magh Purnima at the Abu Darra ghats. Devotees of the Sad Sampraday sing Mav Bhajans and perform Ras Leela during the fair, bringing the atmosphere of Vrindavan to life.

**Confluence of Two Rivers, Not Three**

While the popular belief is that three rivers meet at Baneswar, the actual confluence is between the Som and Mahi rivers. The Jakham river joins the Som river 22 kilometers before Baneswar. At Baneswar, the Mahi river appears to embrace the Som river, forming an island, creating the illusion of three rivers meeting. Mavji Maharaj himself wrote, "Som Mahi Chaliya, Jalkat Neer Apaar... Abu Darra Ban Per Khelat Sam Morar," without mentioning the Jakham river.