Journalism of Courage
The Nagaur Cattle Fair takes place in Rajasthan's Nagaur district in the month of January-February. It falls midway between Jodhpur and Bikaner. Since the area is located in the dry Thar Desert area, villagers are mostly involved in cattle breeding rather than farming. (Source: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
A camel herder puts his camel through its paces before leaving for the main fair ground where it will be displayed before potential buyers. (Source: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
The horns of the livestock are being blunted in the event of any attack. The Nagaur fair takes place in January-February, and held in the month of Magha according to the Hindu calendar. (Source: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
A horse going through a routine fitness test by its owner before it goes for sale at the main fair ground. (Source: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
At the Nagaur fair, villagers get their cattle including camels, horses and bullocks for trading. This 10-day long fair is one of Rajasthan's largest cattle fair. Even the Pushkar Cattle fair pales in comparison to the sheer scale of this event. (Source: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
Every year, around 70,000 cattle are traded including horses, bullocks and camels. Since Nagaur is close to fertile farming lands of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, it attracts farmers from these areas as well. (Source: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
The cattle owners, much like the Pushkar fair, themselves wear bright turbans to attract people. (Source: AP)
It's interesting to see a variety of unusually decorated cattle garlanded with numerous accessories at the fair.(Source: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
The fair is organised and displayed in such a vibrant way that it's appealing to the potential buyers and visitors. The camels and cattle traded over here are known for their fitness and fetch high prices. Some of the most thoroughbred horses are displayed from Marwar whose prices can go upto as much as Rs 10 lakh. (Source: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
Aside from the sheer size of the event, the fair is well known for the cattle quality and elaborate decorations on the cattle that have earned this place a special reputation. (Source: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
Villagers usually settle themselves on a huge tract of land that spans acres at a stretch for 10 days. Some say they travel 7 days on foot to reach the venue. (Source: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
The fair is also well-known for its red chilly market, which is apparently the biggest in India. (Source: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
The Nagaur fair is also quite well known for the various activities and sports such as tug-of-war, camel races, bullock races to cock fights. (Source: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
