The Nagaur Cattle Fair is one of the biggest and most colorful fairs in Rajasthan. It will be held from 27 January to 30 January 2026 in Nagaur city. This festival is not only about buying and selling animals like camels, horses, and bullocks. It is also a celebration of village life, Rajasthani culture, music, and food. You will see thousands of camels, horses and bullocks decorated in colorful ornaments, folk music filling the desert air, and a mix of trading, competitions and cultural performances.
If you are planning to visit Rajasthan in 2026, Nagaur Cattle Fair is a must. It will give you an authentic taste of rural India and unforgettable experiences of local food and festivities.
History and Significance of the Nagaur Cattle Fair
The Nagaur Cattle Fair, also known as the Nagaur Fair, dates back several centuries. Originally it was a big cattle trading fair where farmers and herders from all over Rajasthan and nearby states would come to sell cattle.
Over time it evolved into a cultural fair where not just cattle trading but also folk performances, handicrafts and community gatherings. Today Nagaur Fair is one of the most authentic cultural festivals of Rajasthan and attracts international tourists to experience rural life.
The fair is very important for the farming communities of Rajasthan. It showcases their relationship with animals and their traditional way of life and also provides a platform for cultural exchange.
Dates and Schedule for Nagaur Cattle Fair Festival 2026
The Nagaur Cattle Fair 2026 will be celebrated from 24 January to 27 January 2026.
Over these four days, the fairground will be filled with activities ranging from cattle trading and competitions to folk music, camel races, and cultural shows.
- Day 1: Opening ceremony, livestock showcase, folk dances.
- Day 2: Camel and bullock races, horse parades, and cattle competitions.
- Day 3: Cultural performances, handicraft markets, and local food stalls.
- Day 4: Closing rituals, prize ceremonies, and final trading sessions.
The Animal Market at the Fair
The central theme of the fair is the big cattle market. There are thousands of animals exhibited and auctioned there.
- Nagauri bullocks are very much in demand all over India. Additionally, they are strong and can work in harsh desert conditions.
- Camels are referred to as the “ships of the desert.” Camels decorated with colored cloth and bells during the fair. Check out all the festivals of the Rajasthan here.
- Oxen and horses are also taken to the fair. Sought after for farming purposes and for their strength and speed.
- Farmers and traders talk, negotiate, and agree upon prices. Special breeds also given good prices. This makes the fair very important for the rural economy of Rajasthan.
Cultural Activities at Nagaur Cattle Fair
The Nagaur Fair is not only about animals. It is also a bit like a carnival.
- One can enjoy folk music and watch the hit Kalbeliya dance.
- Camel racing and horse show where the best animals displayed.
- Puppet performances and acts fascinate children and adults.
- Amusing and action-filled activities in Nagaur Fair like turban tying, moustache waxing, and tug-of-war. Thus, make the crowd laugh and shout.
- You may not be in interest to watch animals, but you cannot resist the Fair’s atmosphere.
Shopping at Nagaur Cattle Fair
Shopping never ends after a visit to Rajasthani fair. Nagaur fair is full of shops and stalls. You can get:
- Practical and sturdy wooden and camel-leather products.
- Desert-colored turbans, clothing, and jewelry.
- Spices and herbs of the local variety. Also, explore Best Things to Bring Home from Rajasthan.
- Small decorative items and toys of smaller sizes to take with you as a souvenir.
- You can also haggle here. Prices are generally lower than in big tourist towns.
Food and Local Flavors
Food stalls are as interesting as the fair itself. Some of the food that you must taste are:
- Dal Baati Churma – A famous Rajasthani dish of baked flour balls, dal, and sweet crumbs.
- Ker Sangri – A cactus vegetable prepared using spices, very unique.
- Ghewar and Malpua – Soft, rich, and tasty sweet dessert. Explore, the local transport in the state.
- Buttermilk and lassi – Cool beverages that make you feel cool in the desert heat.
Best Things to Do at Nagaur Cattle Fair
| Activity | What You Get to See or Do | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Market. | Sell or buy bullocks, camels, horses, oxen. | Free to watch, animals extra |
| Cultural Shows | Folk music, dance, puppet shows, acrobat acts | Free – ₹200 for special seats |
| Camel & Horse Races. | Watch animals race with colorful decorations | ₹100 – ₹300 |
| Food Stalls. | Experience yummy Rajasthani dishes and sweets | ₹150 – ₹400 per meal |
| Shopping Stalls. | Buy crafts, spices, clothes, and jewelry | ₹200 – ₹2,500 |
Tourist Attractions
You can also check out nearby attractions from Nagaur. You may also visit other places.
- Nagaur Fort – Big fort with palaces, temples, and Mughal paintings.
- Desert Safaris – Furthermore, check out camel ride into the desert. Also, have sunset dinner under the stars. Check out Also, What to Pack for the Trip.
- Photography – Also, take photos of men wearing turbans in vibrant colors. Moreover, flower-adorned camels, and crowded bazaars. These are also unique moments for your journey.
The festival takes place in January or February every year (Magh month of the Hindu calendar). It is winter in Rajasthan, and the climate is nice and cool. Most tourists stay for 2–3 days to see both the animal market and cultural events.
How to Reach Nagaur
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur, 135 km away. You will also have flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur.
- By Train: There is a railway station in Nagaur with trains. Thus, connecting to Jaipur, Bikaner, and Jodhpur.
- By Road: You can go by bus, taxi, or self-drive car on the state highways. Book your customized tour package from travel agency like Japji Travel. This ensures, you travel with ease.
Where to Stay During the Fair.
| Type of Stay | Examples | Price (per night) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Hotels | Local guesthouses, small hotels | ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 |
| Mid-Range Hotels | Comfortable standard hotels | ₹2,500 – ₹4,500 |
| Desert Camps | Tents close to the fairgrounds | ₹3,500 – ₹6,000 |
| Heritage Haveli | Converted mansions turned into hotels | ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 |
It would also be a good idea to book your stay early. Because the hotels fill up fast during the fair.
Conclusion
Nagaur Cattle Fair is not only animals. Thus, it is a festival of Rajasthan‘s life and culture. You can see robust animals, hear music and dances. Also, taste yummy food, go shopping for specialties, and explore the desert. So, this fair will give you some of the most beautiful memories of your trip. Also, check out International Folk Festival 2025. So, pack your luggage, travel to Nagaur, and enter into the colorful world of this great cattle fair!
FAQs
The Nagaur Cattle Fair is held annually in Nagaur city, Rajasthan, located between Jodhpur and Bikaner. The fairground is set up near Nagaur Fort, attracting farmers, traders, and tourists from across India.
The Sonepur Cattle Fair in Bihar is considered the biggest cattle fair in India. It is famous for its massive scale, religious significance, and variety of animals.
After Pushkar Fair, the Nagaur Cattle Fair is regarded as the second largest cattle fair in Rajasthan, drawing thousands of camels, horses, and bullocks for trade and display.
Nagaur in Rajasthan is one of the most famous places for an annual cattle fair, known for its vibrant mix of animal trading, camel races, folk music, and traditional Rajasthani culture.
Some of the main highlights of the Nagaur Cattle Fair Festival 2026 include:
Thousands of decorated camels, bullocks, and horses on display.
Camel and bullock races that thrill the crowd.
Traditional games like tug of war and turban-tying competitions.
Colorful folk performances with Kalbelia dancers and Sufi music.
Handicraft stalls selling leather goods, textiles, and jewelry.
Authentic Rajasthani cuisine served at local food stalls.