Gogaji Fair of Rajasthan is dedicated to a popular hero of the area known as Goga Veer (among Hindus) or Jahar Peer (among Muslims). It is organized at the 'Samadhi' (memorial) of Gogaji in Goga Medi, approximately 359 km from Jaipur. Gogaji is also worshipped as Snake God. The samadhi of Gogaji houses his idol sitting on a blue horse with a snake coiled around the neck. There is also an inscription at the main entrance describing Mahmud Ghaznavi's regard for Gogaji, written in Persian.
Gogaji is regarded as a saint by the Kayam Khani Muslims, who claim to be his descendents. It is believed that praying to Gogaji will heal a person suffering from snakebite and many other diseases. Almost every village in Rajasthan has a sacred place (called Than) dedicated to Gogaji. His devotees are spread even across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. In these states, even an annual procession is taken out in his honor.
Many people visit the Rajasthan Gogaji Fair either to make a wish or to express their thanks to Gogaji on the fulfillment of their wishes. The fair is held annually in the month of Bhadrapada (usually August) and goes on for three days. Rubbing incense at the memorial of Gogaji is one of the primary means of worship. Also, devotees offer coconuts, batashas (sugar drops), cash, etc at the samadhi. Priests perform prayers at the samadhi of Gogaji, singing his praises.
The main attraction of the Fair, however, is the Nath priests carrying whips outside the main hall. These whips are replicas of Gogaji's chabuk and are considered lucky. People even make offerings to these chabuks. Dancing to the rhythm of drums and gongs, many people can be seen carrying multi colored flags (nishans) in their hands.
Period:
August (Hindu Month of Bhadrapada)
Location:
359 km from Jaipur
Venue:
Goga Medi
Significance:
Held as a mark of respect to Gogaji, a popular saint of the region.
Highlights:
Nath priests carrying whips outside the main hall of Goga Medi.