# The 125-Year History of Kishangarh Fair, Started by Maharaja Madan Singh After World War I

> The 125-year-old Balaji fair in Kishangarh, Ajmer, has its roots in World War I when Maharaja Madan Singh vowed to start an annual celebration upon returning victoriously.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Rajasthan · **Published:** 2026-10-24 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/rajasthan/kishangarh-ke-125-saal-purane-mele-ki-kahani-maharaja-madan-singh-51386 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Kishangarh Fair, Ajmer News, Balaji Temple, Maharaja Madan Singh, Rajasthan Culture

Situated in the main market of Kishangarh within the Ajmer district, a 125-year-old Balaji temple holds deep religious and cultural significance. The grand tradition surrounding this sacred site traces its origins back to the era of the First World War.

## A Royal Vow and the Birth of a Tradition
Historical accounts indicate that Maharaja Madan Singh of Kishangarh visited this very shrine before departing for World War I. He offered prayers and took a solemn vow that if he returned victorious from the battlefield, he would initiate a grand annual fair at the location. Upon coming back safely after his triumph, the ruler fulfilled his promise by establishing an annual fair, a practice that continues to this day.

## From a Simple Platform to 210 Villages
Temple priests recount that during the reign of Maharaja Madan Singh, the deity of Balaji was manifested simply as an elevated platform. Before leaving for the war, the ruler made his pledge right at this spot. Following his successful return, he issued official orders to spread the news of the fair across all 210 villages of the Kishangarh sub-division. Since then, the fair has been organized annually on Bhadwa Sudi Teras with immense devotion and enthusiasm.

## Parikrama and Feats of Strength
In earlier times, the celebration featured distinct customs. Residents from the 210 villages of the sub-division would arrive carrying traditional lahariya to seek blessings from Balaji. The major highlights of the gathering back then were the ritual circumambulation of the temple and traditional tests of physical strength. Groups from various villages participated in the parikrama, and the team that completed the circuit first earned the foremost position, followed by others in sequential order.

## The Continuing Legacy of Lahariya
The era placed a strong emphasis on mutual brotherhood, unity, and physical endurance. After completing the parikrama, devotees would get a lahariya tied in the name of Balaji, a ritual that eventually became the defining identity of the festival. While the logistical management of the event evolved over the decades, the custom of tying lahariya remains a living reminder of the region's rich historical heritage.

## From the Royal Court to the Sub-Divisional Officer
Temple priests explain that initially, the royal court of Kishangarh oversaw the tying of lahariya for devotees. Over time, this responsibility transitioned into the administrative domain. Today, the Sub-Divisional Officer of Kishangarh, often regarded as the prime citizen of the region, carries forward this ongoing tradition. The current generation represents the sixth lineage of the same family serving the temple, following a generational line that includes Govind Das, Johri Das, Moti Das, Bheru Das, Banwari Lal, and Brijesh Kumar.

## What this means for you
The historical fair of Kishangarh holds notable cultural and administrative relevance for the local community.

- **In Kishangarh:** For residents and participants from the surrounding 210 villages, the annual event serves as a major platform to celebrate regional heritage and community bonding. The Sub-Divisional Officer participates directly, maintaining the administrative link to the historical custom.
- **Across India:** Such traditional celebrations highlight the preservation of royal history and indigenous festivals within the broader cultural landscape of the country. These gatherings help maintain historical awareness and regional traditions across generations.

## Why this happened
The establishment and continuation of this historical fair stem from a royal vow and deep-rooted community traditions.

- **Royal Vow:** The primary catalyst for the fair was the pledge made by Maharaja Madan Singh prior to his departure for World War I.
- **Regional Outreach:** The ruler's directive to spread word across 210 villages transformed a personal vow into a massive community gathering.
- **Administrative Continuity:** Even after the shift from royal rule, local administrative figures and successive generations of temple priests ensured the survival of these rituals.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. How old is the Kishangarh fair?
The historical fair in Kishangarh is 125 years old.

### 2. Who started this fair?
The fair was initiated by Maharaja Madan Singh of Kishangarh after returning from World War I.

### 3. How many villages traditionally participated in the fair?
People from 210 villages of the Kishangarh sub-division traditionally participated in the event.

### 4. What is the main ritual associated with the fair?
The main rituals involve performing parikrama around Balaji and getting a traditional lahariya tied.

### 5. Who carries forward this tradition today?
Today, the Sub-Divisional Officer of Kishangarh continues to uphold this traditional practice.

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