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Chandrabhaga Fair: river bathing and a cattle fair at Jhalrapatan
Full-moon lamps drifting past old stone temples on a quiet river
The Chandrabhaga Fair is held every year at Jhalrapatan, about 6 km from Jhalawar in south-east Rajasthan, for three days around Kartik Purnima, the full moon of Kartik. Pilgrims bathe in the Chandrabhaga river, traders gather for a large livestock fair, and Rajasthan's tourism department adds a deepdan of lamps on the river, a procession and cultural evenings. Next dates: 23–25 November 2026.
Rajasthan Tourism publishes the dates years ahead (its current list runs to 2030) and can revise them; check its calendar a few months before.
The legend
The fair is named after the Chandrabhaga, a river held sacred in Rajasthan: a dip in it during Kartik is believed to purify the soul.
Jhalrapatan was founded by Zalim Singh in 1796 beside the ruins of ancient Chandravati, destroyed under Aurangzeb.
Customs
Deepdan and procession
Over three days the tourism department holds a deepdan of lamps on the river, a Shobha Yatra procession, contests and cultural evenings.
Livestock trading
Alongside runs a large livestock fair, where traders from across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh buy and sell cows, buffaloes, horses and bullocks.
River, lamps and livestock
Two fairs share one site. The first is a pilgrimage: Rajasthan Tourism describes pilgrims gathering on the banks of the Chandrabhaga, a river held very sacred in the state, many travelling far just for a dip. The busiest moment is the full-moon night, when the deepdan sets lamps on the river below the temples.
The second is a working market. Traders, many from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, come to buy and sell cows, buffaloes, horses, bullocks and, by the tourism department's account, camels, often for resale elsewhere. The trading does not keep to the official programme: in a recent year the cattle fair ran well beyond the three tourism days.
Over those three days the Department of Tourism organises the traditional deepdan, a Shobha Yatra (a decorated procession), competitions and cultural evenings. Rajasthan Tourism speaks of thousands of visitors, yet the fair is in a corner of Rajasthan that most tour circuits skip.
Temples and forts around the fair
The fair ground lies below a cluster of medieval temples, and Jhalrapatan and Jhalawar have more within a short drive.
Chandrabhaga temples
On the river bank: temples with intricately carved pillars and arched gateways, among them the Chandramouleshwar temple and the Lakulish, Harihar and Devi temples.
Sun Temple (Padmanabha), Jhalrapatan
A 10th-century temple about 97 feet high, dedicated to Vishnu, with a finely carved shikhara (spire) built up from miniature towers. Restored in the 16th and again in the 19th century.
Gagron Fort
A hill and water fort surrounded on three sides by the Ahu and Kali Sindh rivers, one of the six hill forts of Rajasthan on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Near it are the tomb of the Sufi saint Mitheshah and the monastery of Saint Pipa. Entry approximately ₹50 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners.
How to get to Jhalrapatan
Jhalrapatan is reached through Jhalawar, the district town about 6 km away.
- By air — The closest airport is Indore, about 240 km away; Jaipur is about 345 km.
- By rail — A passenger train runs daily between Kota and Jhalawar, and superfast trains to Jaipur run on scheduled days. Kota is about 88 km from Jhalawar.
- By road — Jhalawar lies on National Highway 52 and has buses to many cities in Rajasthan. Bundi is about 121 km away.
- Combine it — The fair suits a tour of south-east Rajasthan: Kota, Bundi and Jhalawar. The same full moon is Kartik Purnima, and the Kolayat Fair near Bikaner falls on it too.
At the river and among the animals
The bathing is an act of faith, done in the belief that a dip in Kartik purifies the soul, so keep cameras away from people bathing and away from the lamps at the deepdan. Among the livestock, give animals room and stay out of the way of trading, which is business for the families who come.
FAQ
When is the Chandrabhaga Fair?
Next: 23–25 November 2026. It runs three days around Kartik Purnima, usually in November. Rajasthan Tourism publishes the dates years ahead and can revise them.
In which state is the Chandrabhaga Fair held?
In Rajasthan, at Jhalrapatan in Jhalawar district, about 6 km from Jhalawar town.
Why is it called the Chandrabhaga Fair?
It is named after the Chandrabhaga river at Jhalrapatan, which is held sacred in Rajasthan; pilgrims bathe in it during the fair.
What is sold at the Chandrabhaga cattle fair?
Cows, buffaloes, horses and bullocks, and camels according to Rajasthan Tourism, brought by traders from across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
How do I reach Jhalrapatan?
Via Jhalawar: the nearest airport is Indore, about 240 km; a daily passenger train runs from Kota (about 88 km); Jhalawar is on NH 52 with buses across Rajasthan.
Sources (3)
Facts checked: 21 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.