Preserving culture, empowering artists: The magic of Gujarat’s Tarnetar Fair

The Tarnetar Fair, held at the sacred Trinetreshwar Mahadev grounds in Surendranagar, Gujarat, serves as a vital platform for preserving and celebrating the state's rich folk heritage. Through 25 cultural competitions featuring forms like Bhavai, Duha-Chhand, and Bahurupi, along with traditional instruments like the Ravanhattha and dhol, the three-day event provides rural artists a stage to perform, earn recognition, and win cash prizes. By featuring contest winners alongside established performers on its main stage, the fair elevates local talent while drawing visitors and international tourists alike. Beyond music and dance forms like Raas and Hudo, Tarnetar embraces artistic traditions like hand-embroidered umbrellas and the 'Shreshtha Ravati' contest. Crucially, the fair also delivers a strong economic impact, supporting local artisans, traders, and livestock owners through vibrant handicraft sales and a traditional livestock market. (PTI)