Chitrakoot Donkey Fair: Uttar Pradesh's historic market where animals are traded under celebrity names

An annual donkey fair held in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh, dates back to the reign of Aurangzeb and features animals named after film stars fetching lakhs of rupees. The multi-day event draws thousands of traders and spectators to the banks of the Mandakini river.

An unusual and historic fair dedicated to trading donkeys takes place in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh, immediately following the celebration of Diwali. Thousands of visitors travel from far and wide to attend this distinctive market held annually along the banks of the Mandakini river. Traders arrive from distant regions bringing their animals to buy and sell in what is widely regarded as the largest gathering of its kind in the entire Bundelkhand region.

Historical Roots Dating Back to Aurangzeb
According to local accounts, this tradition has been running since approximately 1670 AD during the reign of Aurangzeb. Historical background indicates that a severe illness broke out at that time, causing the horses and mules belonging to Aurangzeb's army to perish in large numbers. Consequently, the ruler issued an order to facilitate the purchase and sale of donkeys in the area to support military logistics, establishing a precedent that continues to this day on the day after Diwali.

Celebrity Names and High Bids
One of the most striking features of the marketplace is the high valuation placed on the animals, with prices running into lakhs of rupees. In a unique twist, the donkeys brought to the Mandakini riverbank are often given the names of famous film stars during the bidding process. Local senior resident Satya Prakash Dwivedi noted that the fair runs for about two to three days, drawing curious crowds from surrounding areas who gather within the fairgrounds to observe the diverse array of animals brought in by merchants.

A Major Regional Attraction
Serving as the largest fair in Bundelkhand, the event attracts a massive assembly of spectators from Chitrakoot and neighboring localities who walk through the grounds to witness the trading firsthand. The multi-day affair preserves a centuries-old commercial routine while drawing significant public attention due to the high prices fetched by the animals and the unusual naming conventions used by the traders.

Why this happened
The unique fair originated centuries ago due to specific historical military needs and administrative decisions under imperial rule, eventually evolving into an entrenched local tradition. The underlying factors include:

• Military Crisis: During the reign of Aurangzeb in 1670 AD, a disease outbreak caused the horses and mules of the imperial army to die in large numbers.
• Official Mandate: The ruler issued orders to establish a trading ground for donkeys to replenish transport animals for military logistics.
• Tradition Preservation: The practice survived across centuries to become the largest annual animal market in the Bundelkhand region following Diwali.

Questions & Answers

1. When is the donkey fair held in Chitrakoot?
The fair is held on the day after Diwali along the banks of the Mandakini river.

2. How long does the fair last?
The fair typically runs for about two to three days.

3. When did the Chitrakoot donkey fair originate?
The fair has been running since approximately 1670 AD during the reign of Aurangzeb.

4. How much do the donkeys cost at this fair?
Prices for donkeys at this market can range from thousands to lakhs of rupees.

5. What is unique about the bidding process at the fair?
The donkeys are traded and bid upon using the names of film stars.

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