Kolayat fair is annually held on Kartik Purnima tithi, or the
full moon day, in Kartik month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar in
Rajasthan. The fair is held on the banks of a lake located at Kolayat near
Bikaner in Rajasthan. Kolayat fair 2024 date is November 15.
The fair is held at the shrine dedicated to Sage Kapila or
Kapil Muni. He is considered an incarnation of Bhagavan Vishnu especially in this
region.
It is believed that the sage performed prayers at a peepal
tree located near the shrine. The tree still exists in the temple complex.
A large lake with 52 ghats forms of the main area of the fair. It
is believed that taking holy dip in the lake during Kartik Purnima will help
in washing away sins of several births. There are numerous temples on the
ghats.
A camel and livestock fair is part of the fair.