Culture of Baran

Rajasthan is where all the colours of nature reside! The clothes, the fairs and festivals - all display the play of colours. Cuisine, dance, music, festivals and fairs are what make the culture of Baran something to reckon with. Tourists visit the place all through the year as denizens of Baran know what it is to welcome them with loving hearts and open arms.

People in Baran will first lay out entire eatables in your 'thali' (plate) and feed you with love and affection. Self help is not considered good etiquette here.

Fairs and Festivals in Baran

Dol Mela in Baran

During Jaljhulni Akadshi, it is time for Dol Mela at Dol Talab (Pond) in Baran which goes on for a fortnight! You will love to witness the Shobha Yatra (procession) which have about 54 Dev Viman (holy statue carriers) or 'dol' from the main temples in Baran. Akhadas show their prowess in physical exercises during the procession.




Starting from Shreeji temple, the procession culminates at Dol Talab where all the Dev Vimans are worshiped. Later, they are placed back in their respective temples. Locals, tourists and people from adjoining state (Madhya Pradesh) love to visit Dol Mela. This mela serves to perpetuate feeling of communal harmony among denizens of Baran and is an important fair in Baran.

Piplod Christmas in Baran

Organized on 25th December every year, this fair attracts many people from far and near.The fair is organized in the only Church of the Baran district in the village Piplod in Atru tehsil. People following different religions visit the church and participate in this fair.

Sita Bari Mela in Baran

This is a big tribal fair organized about 45 kms. from the Baran city, near Kelwara Kasba. It is organized on Jeshta Amavasya. People love to take a holy dip in the 'kunds' which have a mythical connection to Sita, Laxman, Surya, Lav and Kush from Ramayana.

For the Sahariya tribe in Baran, this fair is nothing less than the 'Kumbh mela' of Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. Marriages in Sahariya tribes is organized during this fair and how! The boy drops a handkerchief to propose the girl. If the girl accepts the handkerchief, both are married after 7 rounds around Barnawa tree and blessings from parents.

The fair also has economic significance as people bring decked up cattle such as cows and buffaloes for sale and purchase here. The fair reflects on the culture of tribals living in Baran.

Phuldol Festival in Baran

Organized in Kishanganj town near Baran, on the occasion of Holi festival. The groom visits his in-laws home with all his friends and plays Holi. On Holi-Dulandi, lots of  'Swang' (type of drama) such as Gidh-Rawan-Yudh, Band-Bandi swang is played the entire day. 'Shobha yatra' known as 'Phul Dolo' is taken out in the night.

Brahmani Mataji Mela

This is a fair organized during Magh-Shukla-Saptmi in the old fort near Sorsan. This place is around 20 kms. from Baran and is a donkey fair - the only one of its type in the Hadoti region! Inside the fort premises is the Brahmani Mataji temple. Primarily donkey and 'kachhar' are sold and purchased during this fair and so economical as well as spiritual significance is attached with this fair.

Occupation of People in Baran

Basically, it is agriculture that is the primary source of income here. However, with changing times and industrialization, people are employed in banks and industrial units in and around Baran. Some are occupied in making handicrafts which is lucrative due to influx of tourists throughout the year.

Costume and Dance in Baran

Men in this city wear dhotis, kurta, Chudidar payjama (puckered trousers) and paggar or safa (turban headgear). Women wear ghagra (long skirt) and kanchli (top). People wear dhotis and safa in varied ways. Ornaments are an important part of their attire.

Ghumar and Jhumar are the main dances in this region. Bhawai dance is also practiced widely. Dandia, Rasiya, Dhol, Dance of Matkas (pitchers), Dance of swords, Dance of Snake Charmers and Dances of Kalbelias are famous dances which people love to perform. Kucchhi Ghodi or dummy horse dance is performed on festive occasions, by men and their much decked up horses!