Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. The Bhavnath Fair is the main festival on the occasion of Shivratri.
The 'Mela' or the fair is the best place where the Hindu customs and beliefs are perceptible. The fair is the meeting place of various cultures. Gujarat is the place where 5000 years old Hindu tradition can be witnessed in the fair. The sages, the devotees, all gather to make the occasion ostentatious. Participation of all people from different strata creates a wonderful atmosphere, where the mela takes its true meaning.
Bhavnath Fair of Gujarat takes place on the day of Maha Shivratri. On the very day, Bhavnath Mahadev temple is decorated and thousands of devotees across the country come to visit the fair and the festival. Fair is held on the adjacent ground of the temple where the sages from different corner of the country come to experience the holy occasion. The 'naga bavas' or naga sages move towards the temple on elephant's back to witness the maha puja. Shiva linga is worshipped and in the honor of the festival the fair is organized, which is now known nationwide. It is believed that Shiva himself had visited the shrine during the festival and this place is the abode of famous nine 'naths' of Hindu mythology. The sound of conch shell, drums and ululation create a pious ambience. The mela takes a holy shape with devotees, sages and spiritually elevated souls. The visitors are served free meals during the fair. In the fair different stalls give the visitors to buy the local handicrafts and other items.
Bhavnath fair is held during the Maha Shivratri festival of Hindus. The fair is famous and it is three days festival in the month of February. This fair is an important event which brings thousands of domestic as well as international tourists to the state. The religious and the ethnic significance of the fair can be well evident in its majestic and splendid aura.
The Bhavnath Fair is held at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple near Damodar Kund, at Girnar Taleti, 8 km from Junagadh. Junagadh has a major railway station, and is also connected by ST buses to cities around the state. The nearest airport is in Rajkot, 110 km away.
About one lakh people from different regions of India, particularly from Gujarat and Marwad, have been coming here for many years. While many come clad in lively colors, the Ahirs and Mers of the Junagadh district are the most striking among them.