The quaint town of Nagaur, one of the most picturesque of Rajput townships, stirs to life during the Nagaur Fair. The cattle fair here is the second largest in Rajasthan and is held every year during the month of Magh (Jan.-Feb.)

The early history of Nagaur before the advent of the Mughals is intermingled with the exploits of the Sultans of Delhi, Gujarat and Marwar, who contended for its possession because of its strategic location. It was later included in the Mughal empire and became a 'Sarkar' (Division) under 'Ajmer Subah' (province), yielding annual revenue of about ten lakhs of rupees.

The town has an old fort, situated in the centre of the city occupying an extensive area. It contains old palaces, water cisterns and other buildings, some of which are in ruins. The mural paintings on the walls of some apartments in the palace are of high order

A cattle fair is held in the town during January-February in which large number of cows, bullocks (Nagauri breed is renowned) oxen and camels exchange hands. Tourists also visit the place in large numbers

BREED BARGAINS

The fair is renowned for trading in cows, bullocks, camels and horses. Their owners are seen wearing colourful turbans and flaunting long moustaches. The bullocks of Nagaur are renowned for their fitness and attract a large number of buyers. Both the owners and buyers bargain to their heart's content until they decide upon a price.

SHOPPING AND RECREATION

Mirchi Bazaar (Red Chilly Market) is the main attraction and wooden items, iron crafts and leather accessories are available in abundance during the fair.

Various games are organised during this four-day festival. Tug-of-war, camel races, cock fights etc. provide entertainment to the tourists and visitors. As the sun goes down, a joyous atmosphere is created by the folk musicians, whose voices echo far and wide across the tranquil desert sand.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Nagaur can be reached from Jaipur (293-km), Jodhpur (135-km) and Udaipur (400-km), which are on the domestic airlines route that links Delhi to Mumbai.

Rail: Most of Rajasthan is accessible by a network rail services. An excellent conncetion to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, from Delhi is the Pink City Express (5 hrs). Other places too are linked by passenger and express trains. Some other important train connections are: Ranakpur Express (Bikaner-Nagaur-Ratangarh); 4893 Mail (Marwar-Nagaur-Merta Road Junction).