The
Sheetla Mata Fair of Chaksu, Rajasthan is dedicated to Sheetla Mata,
goddess of epidemic diseases such as measles, chicken pox, etc. The fair
is organized on an annual basis in the Hindu month of Chaitra
(March-April), on Krishna Paksh. The venue of the Rajasthan Sheetla Mata
Fair is village Seel-ki-Doongri, 5 km from Chaksu and 35 km from Jaipur.
The temple of Sheetla Mata is located on top of hillock in this village,
known as Doongri. The duration of the fair is one day only. The shrine of Sheetla Mata houses a red stone representing the deity. Legend has it that it is the rage of Sheetla Mata that leads to epidemics. So, in order to calm and placate the Mata, devotees pray to her and make offerings. Devotees from across the miles come to visit this fair and pray to Sheetla Mata. At the time of the fair, a temporary market comes up. The villagers are seen doing business for various items like shoes, clothes, foodstuff, utensils, agricultural implements, etc. Another attraction is a cattle fair organized during the fair.
