The
Banashankari Devi fair is centered on the renowned Banashankari Devi
temple near Badami. Built in the Dravidian style, the temple is
dedicated to Banashankari, a form of Parvati highly revered by the
weaver community. The idol depicts the powerful eight-armed goddess
seated on a ferocious lion. As the temple is located in the Tilakaaranya
forest, the Devi is popularly called Banashankari or Vanashankari where
'Van' or 'Ban' means forest.The Banashankari Devi fair is held annually in January on the full moon day and lasts for 10 to 12 days. Rathotsava or car festival is a major attraction of the fair. Agricultural tools, utensils and other articles of domestic needs are bartered and the villagers make many of their purchases at this fair.
The religious significance of the location notwithstanding, the annual temple fair of Banashankari is more of a celebration of village life. During this time, the streets around the temple are taken over by the huge fair, marked by color and gaiety, and attended by thousands of devotees.
