As the legend goes, Sita, the wife of Lord Ram,
was left by Lakshman here to serve the period of her banishment. He also
shot an arrow from where a stream of clear water sprouted for Sita. The
stream still exists and is called 'Lakshman Babhuka'. It is believed
that clean and fresh waters of these sacred 'kunds' (tanks) have
curative powers. The devotees take a holy dip in them to purify their
body and soul before paying homages to the deities. The Suraj Kund (is
named after the Sun God ) is surrounded by verandahs on all sides and
people who find themselves unable to go to the River Ganges, immerse the
ashes of their dead in this kund.
There is a Valmiki Ashram nearby, which is mentioned in Ramayana as a
place, where the twin sons of Ram and Sita, (named as Luv and Kush) were
born. It is a simple structure of one horizontal stone resting on two
vertical stones.
The fair is not only for the pilgrims but also for the cattle breeders
and traders who come here to trade from Aklera, Bhilwara, Bundi,
Jhalawar, Kota and Nagaur.
Sitabari fair is held at Kelwara village in Rajasthan.
Read more about the famous Sitabari fair of Rajasthan.
Sitabari Fair Kelwara
| Location: | Sitabari, which is 1 km from the village of Kelwara, which in turn is located in Tehsil Shahbad of Baran District. |
| Significance: | It is said that Sita, wife of Lord Rama spent the time of her banishment here. |
| Time of Celebration: | Sometime prior to Dussehra, which falls usually in October. |
