Kaila Devi Fair
The annual fair of
Kaila Devi, (Mahalakshmi or the goddess of wealth), is held at the village Kaila
(24 kms to the south west) in Karauli district in the month of Chaitra (Mar-Apr),
lasting for a fortnight. The temple of Kaila Devi is located on the banks of the
Kalisil river in the hills of Trikut, 2 Kms. to the north-west of Kaila village.
Another attraction is the small temple dedicated to Bhairon, situated in the courtyard
and facing the shrine of Kaila Devi is a temple of Hanuman locally called 'Languriya'.
Approximately
2 lakh devotees gather during the fair. The ritual of Kanak-Dandotis is observed
by staunch devotees. They cover a distance of 15 to 20 Kms to reach the temple,
not on foot but by lying prostrate, making lines with their hands in that position,
advancing up to the line drawn and repeating this procedure till they reach the
temple.
While some eat food and take rest during the journey, others endure
the rigours of the ritual without these.
Groups of Mina tribesmen arrive
in a spirit of gaiety dancing, singing and creating a lively atmosphere. The spacious
courtyard becomes the venue for dances and songs sung in praise of the guardian
deity.
The nearest rail-head is Hindaun at a distance of about 48 Kms.
Shri Mahavirji is another rail-head of the Western Railway near Kaila. The site
is approachable by well maintained roads from Karauli, Hindaun and Mahavirji.
During the fair, the State Transport as well as private operators provide bus
services keeping in mind the huge inflow of pilgrims.
