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Kaila Devi Fair
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Kaila Devi Fair
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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.
