He deserts land of Rajasthan is considered as the most colourful, vibrant and lively state of India. Apart from the marvellous forts and palaces, Rajasthan offers a huge list of pilgrimages for religious minded tourists. While going through Rajasthan tour itineraries, you will come across a number of colourful fairs and festivals that are associated with some of the ancient temples or deities.
Sheetla Mata Fair is one such prominent occasion that is held in the honour of Sheetla Mata, local goddess of epidemic diseases. The fair is organized in the month of March - April, which is the month of Chaitra in Krishna Paksh according to the Hindu calender. The village of Seel-Ki-Doongri, located at a close proximity to Jaipur serves as the venue of the fair.
People from far off places come to worship the Goddess whose shrine stands on Doongri. It is a popular hillock which lies on Jaipur-Kota highway (NH-8) and 5 km from the tehsil headquarter, Chaksu. The entire idol of the Goddess is sculpted out in red sandstone. Architecturally, the temple is not so beautiful but people visit the place and make offerings to the Goddess to seek several boons.
As the legend goes, the entire region was infected by epidemics because of the wrath of Sheetla Mata. Therefore, people started worshipping her and made several offerings to please her. During this one-day fair, a small market is set up from where you can buy various shoes, clothes, foodstuffs, utensils and agricultural implements. A cattle fair is also one of the highlights of the fair.