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T he
famous shrine of Shri Sonana Khetlaji in the village Sonana of district
Pali is the site of the two day Khetlaji fair, held every year on
Chaitra Shukia Ekam to Chaitra Shukia Budi of the lunar calendar.
The fair attracts a large number of devotees who congregate here
during the fair held in honour of the deity, Khetlaji. It is held
by many devotees that the deity has powers to grant wishes. Many
devotees arrive to pray for fulfillment of their wishes or for thanksqivinq,
after their wishes have been granted.
The fair is a grand occasion for the local populace from the adjoining
area, who pour in, dressed in their best, right from day-break.
It is also a gala occasion for shopping. Traders of all kinds can
b3 seen doing brisk business. Body tattooing shops are also the
hot-spots of activity and troupes of Gair dancers add colour to
the festive spirits. One can identify the various styles of Gair
as each area has a style peculiar to it and representatives of most
styles can be seen performing here.
However, it is the hundreds of horses at the fair that steal the
show. Thoroughbred and well trained 'Marwari' horses perform many
a trick and even dance to the rhythms of local drums, much to the
amazement of the onlookers.
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