The Baneshwar festival (fair) of Rajasthan is celebrated mainly by the:

The Baneshwar Mela is held every year at Baneshwar in Dungarpur district of southern Rajasthan, near the confluence of the Som and Mahi rivers (with the Jakham river joining nearby). It takes place around Magh Purnima (January-February) and lasts about five days. Because it is the largest gathering of tribal people in Rajasthan, it is often called the "Kumbh of the tribals" (Adivasiyon ka Kumbh).

Most of the people who attend are Bhils from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The fair has both religious and social sides:

Religious: The name comes from the Baneshwar Mahadev (Shiva) temple, and the fair is also linked to the Vishnu temple of the saint Mavji (Sant Mavji), an 18th-century saint who is believed to be an incarnation of Vishnu. His followers preserve his writings, called "Chopda". Pilgrims bathe at the confluence and offer prayers.

Social: Bhils immerse the ashes of their dead relatives at the confluence. They sing folk songs around bonfires at night, perform dances, and buy and sell goods. Young people traditionally meet and choose partners at the fair.

The Bhils are the largest tribe in India by population, and they are known as skilled archers. In Rajasthan, they live mainly in the southern districts of Banswara, Dungarpur, Udaipur and Pratapgarh, an area known as "Vagad". Other important festivals and fairs of the Bhils include the Bhagoria haat (Madhya Pradesh), held just before Holi, and the Gavari dance-drama of the Bhils of Mewar.

Good to know

The Minas are the largest tribe of Rajasthan by number, living mainly in the east (Jaipur, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur).

The Sahariyas are a PVTG of Baran district, Rajasthan.

The Garasias live in Sirohi district and hold the Gaur fair.