The Animal Fair

The Fair begins about 4 or 5 days before diwali, comes to its climax at the full moon on the last day of Kartik (Oct-Nov) and continues on for 5 days or so in Aghan (Nov-Dec).

The Fair starts with the trading of animals and progresses over a period of three weeks. Over the first 10 days, the first off the block are the Bullocks, Buffaloes and Cows, followed by the Horses and Camels and ending with the Donkeys and Goats - something for every pocket! Elephants were exhibited and traded here in the past but not anymore.

In 1904 the stock shown included 35,000 horses and ponies, 18,000 camels, 10,000 mules and donkeys, and 79,000 head of cattle; and about Rs. 13,000 was collected on account of bridge tolls, registration fees, and shop rents. Remounts for the native army and police were often bought here, and given the heavy commercial activity a branch Government treasury was opened at Bateshwar at the time of the fair.

The Jarar family Kunj was a hive of activity with the Zamindar Sahib fulfilling his duties as a member of the Bateshwar Fair Committee and as Honorary Magistrate.