Vautha fair, or Vautha Mela, is an annual donkey fair held at Vautha Village near Ahmedabad in Gujarat . In 2024, Vautha fair dates are from November 12 to November 15. Legend has it that Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, visited the site. Kartik, popularly known as Muruga, is the commander of the army of the Devas. The fair is dedicated to Kartikeya and is held during Kartika Purnima, the full moon night of the Gujarati month of Kartik (October – November).
Vautha fair site is also known as Saptasangam as it is at the confluence of seven rivers. The temple of Siddhanath
Vautha Mela attracts more than 500,000 people and is the only major animal trading fair in Gujarat . The only animal traded here are the donkeys. Donkeys are painted in different colors and decorated and this is a major highlight of the fair.