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The
Sheetla Mata Fair is held in March-April, the month ofChaitra, in
village Seel-Ki-Doongri (Jaipur). Doongri is a hillock on top of
which the shrine of Sheetia Mata stands. The fair is held in her
honour every year. The fair attracts hordes of visitors from far
and wide. People believe that epidemics spread because of the wrath
of Sheetia Mata and hence they worship her and make offerings so
that she may be pacified. The deity is represented by a red stone.
It is a veritable picnic for the pilgrims attending the fair. It
is customary to cook one's own food at the site, and eat it only
after it has been offered at the shrine. A temporary market comes
up at the fair and the rural folk can be seen trading in wares such
as shoes, clothes, food stuff, utensils and agricultural implements.
A cattle fair is also organised during the fair. It is a small affair
and lasts for about a week. Bullocks, camels and horses are sold
at the fair and prizes are awarded to the best breeders.
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