THE HISTORY

The popular belief associates the village with the Swayamvar (marriage) of the Draupadi after Arjun performed the Mastsyavedh, an incredible feat of the archery.

The special feature of the Fair primarily, created to fullfil social needs for member of Bharwad Community, is that their matrimonial alliances are struck here ( hence the reason for gorgeous traditional costumer worn by the people ) a time honoured ritual that is still practised.

THE TEMPLE OF SHIVA

In the first week of Bhadrapad (August-september) Tarnetar, a quite hamlet in Chotila Taluka of Surendranagar is transformed into a whirl of colour and excitement.  The Tarnetar Fair is on.  The Tarnetar Fair is one of the most colourful events in the State of Gujarat.  These three days fair is held at the Temple of Shiva or Trinetreshwar (three eyes god) popularly known as Tarnetar.

THE RHYTHMS OF FOLK MUSIC

The beauty of this fair lies in the spontaneity with which the people joyously break into folk songs and folk dances to the rhythmic assortment of the folk instruments. The young, both men and women, swing and sway in gay abandon to the throbbing rhythm of the Ras Garba and the Hudo Dance.  The most thrilling sight of all is the Rasada, the fascinating folk dance performed by humdred of women, moving gracefully in a single circle, dancing gaily to the accompaniment of fourdrums and Jadia pava ( double flutes ).  The gorgeous traditional costumer and captivating makes the Tarnetar Fair a unique synthesis of folk art, folk dances, colour and folk music.

CHHATRI Another distinctive feature of the Fair is the Tarnetar Chhatri ( Umbrella ).  These umbrellas are a delightful treat for a connoisseur of art, meticulously embellished with mirror work, intricate embroidery and enchanting lacework.

PEOPLE & COSTUMES Villager from all over Saurashtra, dressed in their traditional costumes and exquisite jewellery, through Tarnetar in their thousands for the Fair which has been attracting an increasing number of visitors.

HOW TO REACH

By Air : Rajkot is the nearest airport, 75 kms from Tarnetar.

By Rail : Thangadh is the nearest reilway station, just 8 kms. from Tarnetar.  It is located on Ahmedabad-Hapa Groadgauge line.

By Road : Tarnetar is 196 kms. from Ahmedabad (via Chotila); 75 kms. from Rajkot (via Chotila); 252 kms from Porbandar (via Chotila); 162 kms. from Jamnagar (via Chotila);264 kms from Bhavnagar (via Rajkot Chotila);190 kms. from Bhavnagar (via Botad Chotila).

All major cities and towns of Gujarat are well connected with Chotila by S.T.Buses.  From Chotila S.T.Buses and local transportation is available to reach Thangadh-Tarnetar.