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Vautha Fair, Gujarat’s largest donkey fair, is far more than an animal trading hub. It’s a centuries-old festival where faith, folklore, and festivity come alive at the sacred confluence of Saptasangam. Every year on Kartik Purnima, thousands gather here to take holy dips, offer prayers, and witness vibrant traditions that span generations. Blending devotion with rural trade, the fair is a living showcase of Gujarat’s history, customs, and culture. In this guide, we’ll take you through its origins, rituals, activities, and some travel tips.
Quick Details About Vautha Fair
Event: Vautha Mela
Location: Vautha, near Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Occasion: Celebrated on Kartik Purnima (full moon night of the Kartik month, usually in November)
Duration: 3 – 5 days
Religious Significance: Holy dips at Saptasangam and worship at Siddhanath Temple
Cultural Highlights: Folk music, Garba and Dandiya performances, storytelling, craft stalls, and glowing river lamps at night
Visitors: Attracts thousands of devotees, farmers, traders, and tourists from across Gujarat and neighbouring states
About Vautha Mela
Photo: Snehrashmi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Vautha Mela is held annually in Vautha village, Gujarat, beginning a few days before Kartik Purnima and continuing until the full moon night. This mela is also popularly known as Gujarat’s largest donkey fair. Visitors not only take part in the fair but also follow rituals like taking holy dips at the Saptasangam, offering prayers at the Siddhanath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and floating lamps on the river in evening to honour the deities.
The history of Vautha Fair Gujarat is deeply rooted in fascinating local legends. One tale links its origin to a yagna performed by Sage Vashishta at the sacred river confluence. However another folk tale associates it with Lord Kartikeya, who is believed to have visited the site on the full moon night of Kartik. The fair is held at the confluence of the Sabarmati and Vatrak rivers and has been in existence for nearly five centuries.
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Vautha Fair Location
Photo: TeshTesh / Wikimedia Commons
Vautha Mela is held in Vautha village, located in Dholka Taluka of Ahmedabad district, Gujarat. The village sits near the confluence of the Sabarmati and Vatrak rivers, an area known locally as Saptasangam.
Surrounded by rural landscapes and accessible via road and rail from Ahmedabad, Vautha becomes a bustling hub during the mela.
How To Reach Vautha
Photo: Superfast1111 / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport to Vautha village is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) in Ahmedabad, which has regular flights connecting major Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. The approximate flight duration is around 2 hours 30 minutes. From the airport you can take a taxi or hire a car to drive to Vautha village.
By Road: Vautha is a small village in the Dholka region, 65 kilometers away from Ahmedabad. You can reach there by taking a bus or driving from Ahmedabad to Vautha which takes around 2.5 hours from the city.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Vautha is Ahmedabad Junction, located about 62 km away. From there visitors can reach the fair site conveniently by taking a State Transport bus or hiring a local taxi in about 1.30 hours to 2 hours.
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Activities And Attractions At Vautha Fair
Here are the vibrant activities and attractions at Vautha Mela in Gujarat you can experience with your family and friends.
1. Livestock Trading
Photo: Pratiksha _h / Shutterstock
Livestock trading is the main focus of Vautha Mela. Farmers and traders from across Gujarat bring donkeys, camels, horses, and cattle for sale. Donkeys are the main attraction and are often decorated with colourful paint, jewellery, and clothes to make them more appealing to buyers. Bargaining is common, and the atmosphere is lively, with traders calling out prices and buyers inspecting the animals. This tradition is not only a key economic activity but also a window into rural life and animal husbandry practices in Gujarat.
2. Auctions
Photo: Christina & Peter / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Auctions at Vautha Fair are a high-energy part of the event, especially for donkeys and other livestock. Skilled auctioneers call out prices loudly, drawing crowds of buyers and onlookers. Participants compete to get the best animals, often paying attention to health, size, and decorations. These auctions are fast-paced and entertaining, reflecting the fair’s long-standing commercial traditions. Watching or taking part in an auction gives visitors a unique insight into local trading customs and the importance of livestock in rural Gujarati communities.
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3. Cultural Performances
Cultural performances bring the fair to life and showcase Gujarat’s rich heritage. Folk dancers perform traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya, while local musicians play instruments such as the dhol and shehnai. Storytelling, folk songs, and street theatre are also common, entertaining both villagers and visitors from far away. These performances highlight local customs, celebrate festivals, and provide a festive atmosphere for everyone attending.
4. Stalls
Photo: Nur Andi Ravsanjani Gusma / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The stalls at Vautha Fair are a vibrant mix of food, crafts, and everyday goods. Visitors can try local snacks like fafda, jalebi, and churma, while artisans sell handmade items such as pottery, jewellery, and textiles. Some stalls offer toys, trinkets, and souvenirs, creating a lively marketplace along the riverbanks. These stalls reflect the rural economy and the creativity of local communities. Walking through them gives a taste of Gujarat’s culinary and craft traditions, making them an important part of the overall fair experience.
5. Amusement Rides
Photo: Tiia Monto / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Alongside the trading, rituals, and cultural performances, Vautha Fair also offers a variety of amusement rides for children and families. Visitors can enjoy simple rides such as merry-go-rounds, swings, and small Ferris wheels, which are usually set up near the main fair area. These rides add a fun, festive atmosphere to the mela, giving kids a chance to enjoy themselves while adults explore stalls, watch performances, or participate in rituals.
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Tips For Travellers
- Book accommodation early in nearby towns such as Dholka or Ahmedabad.
- Carry cash as ATMs are limited near the fair.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and crowds.
- Bring water and snacks for long hours at the fair.
- Keep a safe distance from animals during trading and rides.
- Plan your route to cover rituals, stalls, and performances efficiently.
The Vautha Fair is a mix of faith, culture, and rural traditions. It is where people come together to trade animals, enjoy folk music, taste local food, and take part in old rituals by the riverside. From decorated donkeys to glowing river lamps, every moment at the fair feels lively and unique. Visiting Vautha is like stepping into Gujarat’s living heritage. Plan your trip today and book with TripXL for a smooth, fun, and memorable experience.
Cover Photo: Pratiksha _h / Shutterstock
