Nagaur : Rajasthan has a unique tradition of decorating cattle. Cattle are also decorated with bells and strings. For this, a cattle fair has been set up in Didwana. Colourful shops for decorating cattle are seen in the fair. Artisans from rural areas prepare it themselves. A large number of farmers and cattle breeders from rural areas are buying different items to decorate their cattle from these shops in the fair, while people associated with this business are also earning their livelihood.
This fair is a part of the traditional identity of animal husbandry in the state
The cattle fairs of Didwana and Nagaur districts are not limited to the cattle business only, but they are also the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. For centuries, the relationship between humans and animals has been strengthening this business. Due to this, this relationship between humans and mute animals still exists in Rajasthan. The cattle fair of Didwana has also been a part of this traditional identity of animal husbandry in the state, which is still intact despite the changing environment.
Attractive bells for animals being sold at the fair
Looking at the bells, pearls, artificial flowers and many other accessories seen in the fair, they seem like home decoration items. But these items enhance the beauty of the mute cattle. The ghungroos sold at the shops in the fair are tied to the legs of camels, cows, bulls, sheep and goats. There are also bells, pearls and flower strings for the neck. The neck, face, mouth, nose and back of the cattle are decorated with Murrah. Due to which the animals start looking very beautiful.
Here, businessmen are also facing livelihood crisis
The traders who set up shops in the fair belong to rural areas. The traders procure raw material and prepare the decoration items for the cattle themselves. The cattle fair is also their biggest source of livelihood. But now a big crisis of livelihood has arisen in front of them. With the changing times, people are now moving away from the business of animal husbandry and the cattle fairs are also shrinking day by day. Due to the decrease in the number of cattle year after year, the clouds of crisis have started hovering over the animal husbandry business. Which is also directly affecting the fair of Didwana. Traders say that till some time ago, a large number of cattle used to come to the cattle fairs and farmers and cattle keepers used to make bumper purchases for their cattle. But now gradually it is decreasing, due to which they have started incurring a lot of losses. It is becoming difficult to even meet the expenses of their shop.
