The Nagaur Cattle Fair (officially known as the Shri Ramdeo Cattle Fair) is the second-largest cattle fair in India, second only to the Pushkar Fair. It is a vibrant rural festival held annually between January and February in the historic city of Nagaur, in the state of Rajasthan.
The festival is famous for the massive trade of around 70,000 oxen, camels, and horses, and it stands out especially for the Nagauri breed of bull, highly valued for its agility and strength.
Highlights of this fair include:
- Decorated Livestock Trading: Animals are meticulously adorned with colorful fabrics, mirrors, and ornaments. Their owners also wear their finest traditional attire and striking turbans.
- The Mirchi Bazaar: Running parallel to the animal fair, it is the largest red chili (Mirchi) market in India. It is ideal for buying local spices (like the famous Mathaniya chili), as well as wood, iron, and camel-leather handicrafts.
- Rural Games and Competitions: Camel and bull races, camel and horse dance performances, tug-of-war competitions, and even a unique contest to reward the best mustache are organized.
- Cultural Shows: During the evenings, the grounds fill with Rajasthani folk music, puppet shows, jugglers, and local storytelling performances (Kuchamani Khyal).
