Gogaji Fair
Gogaji Fair is held in the memory of a popular hero of the area
who is known as Goga Veer among the Hindus and Jahar Peer among
the Muslims.
The Kayam Khani Muslims claim descent from him and regard him as
a peer (saint). Staunch believers have faith that invoking Gogaji
will help to cure a snake bite or other diseases and many visit
the Gogaji Fair to make a wish or for expressing their gratitude
when their wishes come true. This fair lasts for 3 days, annually
in the month of Bhadrapada.
The samadhi is a marble structure with two minarets and fortified
by a boundary wall. The idol of Gogaji is seated on a blue horse
with a snake coiled around the neck. An inscription in Persian can
be seen at the main entrance which describes Mahmud Ghaznavi's regard
for Gogaji, he had arranged for the renovation of the memorial as
a token of gratitude when his wish was fulfilled.
The main mode of worship is rubbing incense at the samadhi. Offerings
of coconuts, batashas (sugar drops) and cash are made at the samadhi.
Priests are engaged for conducting special prayers in which praises
of Gogaji are sung. The atmosphere inside the hall is serene and
sanctified. Fragrance and incense heighten the feeling of purity
and devotion.
Outside the main hall, Nath priests can be seen carrying whips
(replicas of Gogaji's chabuk) which are considered lucky and offerings
are made to them. Many people can be seen singing and dancing, carrying
multicoloured flags called nishans in their hands. Drums and gongs
provide rhythm to the hymn singing.
The Samadhi of Gogaji is located 3 Kms away from the railway station
of Goga Medi. This Northern Railway station is 359 Kms away from
Jaipur. |