The short answer
Nagaur Cattle Fair (Ramdevji Fair): what visitors should know first
Go only if you want a working livestock fair, in January or February, and are comfortable with dust and crowds. Confirm dates with Rajasthan Tourism, book a room early, and visit in the morning with a driver rather than staying all day.
History and context
The story behind Nagaur Cattle Fair (Ramdevji Fair)
The fair is held on the bright half of the month of Magha, around five km from Nagaur at Mansar village, and is associated with Baba Ramdevji. Accounts vary on how long it runs, from about four days to more than a week. Its origins are tied by tradition to a trading legend in which returning participants exchanged their animals.
Useful facts
Nagaur Cattle Fair (Ramdevji Fair) facts at a glance
- Location
- Mansar village, about 5 km from Nagaur
- Experience type
- Seasonal livestock and trade fair
- Known for
- Nagauri bulls, camels, horses and cattle
- Time or schedule
- Winter, usually January-February; dates vary
- Entry
- Generally free; confirm each year
Why it matters
Why Nagaur Cattle Fair (Ramdevji Fair) is worth your time
The fair keeps a rural trading tradition alive. Sources describe it as one of the larger livestock fairs in India, with figures of around 70,000 animals mentioned for a typical year, though numbers vary. Nagauri-breed bulls, known for draft strength and endurance in dry country, are among the animals sold.
It is also a rare chance to see a trade fair that serves farmers first and visitors second. The scale and the rhythms of bargaining are different from tourist-oriented festivals such as the better-known Pushkar fair. Dates, duration and arrangements vary by year, so check before planning around it.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The animal lines
Camels, horses and Nagauri bulls are shown and bargained over in open lines.
- 02
Craft stalls
Stalls sell wooden goods, iron tools and camel-leather accessories.
- 03
Rural trade
The fair shows how livestock trading works in desert Rajasthan.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The fair is about animals first. Bulls, camels, horses and cattle are brought from across the region, and buyers inspect teeth, legs and gait before bargaining. Walk the lines of animals slowly, keep a safe distance from camels and bullocks and ask owners before photographing them.
Stalls beyond the animal lines sell wooden goods, iron tools and camel-leather items, along with tea and snacks. Prices are negotiable. Look at the quality of work and weigh your needs before buying, as stock is aimed at local farmers rather than tourists.
Go early, when the light is soft and the ground is cooler. By midday the crowds, dust and heat build. If you are travelling with older relatives, stay for an hour or two, then rest in town. Hotels fill up fast around the fair, so book in advance and plan to see the fort in the quieter hours.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm dates with Rajasthan Tourism before booking
- Go in the morning and avoid midday heat and dust
- Book hotels and drivers well ahead
- Ask permission before photographing people and animals
- Carry water, a hat and a scarf for dust
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Mansar village, about 5 km from Nagaur
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Best time
- Fair dates, usually January-February; confirm each year
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The fair ground is dusty, open and crowded, with uneven ground and few seats. Facilities are basic, so go in the morning with water, wear a hat and keep a car nearby for rests.
- Tickets and access
- Entry is generally free, but dates and arrangements change each year. Confirm the current dates with Rajasthan Tourism or the Nagaur district administration, and book hotels well ahead.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Nagaur Cattle Fair (Ramdevji Fair)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
The fair ground is dusty, open and crowded, with uneven ground and few seats. Facilities are basic, so go in the morning with water, wear a hat and keep a car nearby for rests.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
When is the Nagaur cattle fair?
It is a winter fair, usually in January or February. Exact dates change each year, so confirm with Rajasthan Tourism or the district administration.
Where is it held?
At Mansar village, about 5 km from Nagaur city, according to published accounts.
Is it suitable for older travellers?
It can be a short visit. The ground is dusty and crowded, so go early, take water and keep a car nearby.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.