Part of: Rajasthan Gk set 25

Which festival marks the biggest cattle fair in the country?

Category: Rajasthan Gk

Hint: Consider the largest cattle fair in India.

Correct Answer: A) Pushkar Mela.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Pushkar Mela, also known as Pushkar Fair, is a significant cultural and religious event held annually in Pushkar, Rajasthan. The fair is primarily known for its cattle trading, but it also includes various cultural and religious activities. Pushkar Mela is considered the largest cattle fair in India, attracting thousands of visitors and traders from across the country. The fair is held around the Kartik Purnima, which usually falls in October or November, and lasts for five days.

The main highlight of the Pushkar Mela is the cattle trading, where various breeds of cattle, including cows, buffaloes, camels, and horses, are traded. The fair also includes cultural performances, traditional games, and religious activities. The town of Pushkar is known for its sacred lake, which is considered holy by Hindus, and the fair includes a large number of pilgrims who come to take a dip in the lake.

While there are other significant fairs and festivals in India, such as the Tarnetar Fair in Gujarat and the Hemis Festival in Ladakh, these events are not primarily cattle fairs. The Tarnetar Fair is known for its cultural significance and the traditional dress of the participants, while the Hemis Festival is a major Buddhist festival known for its masked dances and cultural performances. The Surajkund Mela, held in Faridabad, Haryana, is a cultural and craft fair that showcases traditional crafts and performing arts, but it is not a cattle fair.

Therefore, among the options provided, Pushkar Mela is the correct answer as it is the largest cattle fair in the country. Understanding the cultural and religious significance of these events is crucial for competitive examinations that test general knowledge and cultural awareness.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This is the correct answer. Pushkar Mela is the largest cattle fair in India, held annually in Pushkar, Rajasthan. It attracts a large number of cattle traders and visitors from across the country.
  • Option B: Incorrect. Tarnetar Fair is a cattle fair held in Gujarat, but it is not the largest in the country. It is known for its cultural significance and the traditional dress of the participants.
  • Option C: Incorrect. Hemis Festival is a major Buddhist festival held in Ladakh, but it is not a cattle fair. It is known for its masked dances and cultural performances.
  • Option D: Incorrect. Surajkund Mela is a cultural and craft fair held in Faridabad, Haryana. It is not a cattle fair and is known for showcasing traditional crafts and performing arts.

Mnemonic: P for Pushkar, P for Pashu (cattle)

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