Gogaji Fair of Rajasthan is dedicated to a popular
hero of the area known as Goga Veer (among Hindus) or Jahar Peer (among
Muslims). It is organized at the 'Samadhi' (memorial) of Gogaji in Goga
Medi, approximately 359 km from Jaipur. Gogaji is also worshipped as
Snake God. The samadhi of Gogaji houses his idol sitting on a blue horse
with a snake coiled around the neck. There is also an inscription at the
main entrance describing Mahmud Ghaznavi's regard for Gogaji, written in
Persian.
Gogaji is regarded as a saint by the Kayam Khani Muslims, who claim to
be his descendents. It is believed that praying to Gogaji will heal a
person suffering from snakebite and many other diseases. Almost every
village in Rajasthan has a sacred place (called Than) dedicated to
Gogaji. His devotees are spread even across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab,
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. In these states, even an annual
procession is taken out in his honor.
Many people visit the Rajasthan Gogaji Fair either to make a wish or to
express their thanks to Gogaji on the fulfillment of their wishes. The
fair is held annually in the month of Bhadrapada (usually August) and
goes on for three days. Rubbing incense at the memorial of Gogaji is one
of the primary means of worship. Also, devotees offer coconuts, batashas
(sugar drops), cash, etc at the samadhi. Priests perform prayers at the
samadhi of Gogaji, singing his praises.
The main attraction of the Fair, however, is the Nath priests carrying
whips outside the main hall. These whips are replicas of Gogaji's chabuk
and are considered lucky. People even make offerings to these chabuks.
Dancing to the rhythm of drums and gongs, many people can be seen
carrying multi colored flags (nishans) in their hands.
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