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TRIBAL FESTIVAL · KARTIKI · ARAVALLIShamlaji Kartik Fair
Gujarat's most spectacular tribal fair — the Kartiki Purnima at Shamlaji, when tens of thousands of Adivasi pilgrims converge on the Sabarmati for three days of devotion, tribal music and colour.
A great Adivasi gathering
The Kartiki Purnima fair at Shamlaji is one of India’s largest Adivasi pilgrimage gatherings. Held on the full moon of Kartik (October/November), it draws tens of thousands of tribal pilgrims — Bhil, Garasia, Rathwa and other Adivasi communities — who converge on the Sabarmati at Shamlaji.
For three days, the fairground is a living canvas of tribal Gujarat: dress, music (Timli, Garba, drumming), ritual bathing in the Sabarmati and devotions at the temple. For photographers, it is one of the great documentary subjects of western India.
The fair is free and runs on Kartiki Purnima only. Accommodation fills fast in the surrounding towns, so book well ahead if you plan to stay through the three days of celebration.
Illustration — Shamlaji Kartiki fair.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Illustration — the Kartiki fair.
Tribal pilgrimage at Shamlaji.
The auspicious full moon.
Sacred bathing.
A living Adivasi culture.
Reasons to make the time
A great fair
Tens of thousands.
Tribal music
Timli, Garba, drums.
Adivasi culture
Living tradition.
Photography
Unmissable.
Devotion
Authentic pilgrimage.
Sabarmati
Sacred bathing.
What to look for inside
Kartiki fair
Tens of thousands.
Tribal Aravalli
Timli & drums.
How to spend an hour or two
Watch the processions
Tribal arrivals.
See the tribal dress
Bhil & Garasia.
Hear the music
Timli & Garba.
Watch the bathing
Sabarmati ghats.
See the stalls
Tribal handicrafts.
Visit the temple
Shamlaji at night.
Illustration — Shamlaji Kartiki fair.
One of Gujarat's great Adivasi events
The Kartiki Purnima fair at Shamlaji draws tens of thousands of tribal pilgrims for three days of music, ritual bathing and devotion — one of India’s largest Adivasi gatherings.
An illustrated emblem is shown here; the fair takes place in October/November only, on the Kartik full moon. Book accommodation ahead, as the surrounding towns fill quickly during the three days.
One of India’s largest Adivasi gatherings
Kartiki Purnima — October/November full moon
Three days of music, bathing, devotion
Bhil, Garasia, Rathwa tribal communities
When to go
Cool & clear — ideal.
Lush; roads may flood.
Hot; early mornings.
⏰ October to March is ideal for Aravalli.
Timings & entry
- Open daytime hours
- Cool season best
- Morning ideal
- Check locally
- Free; open access
- Good road connections
- Pair with Shamlaji
- Cool months best
Getting there
By Air
Ahmedabad airport (~130 km).
By Rail
Himmatnagar / Modasa.
By Road
NH-48 / Modasa.
Capturing Aravalli
ARAVALLI HILLS
Shamlaji Kartik Fair
What to shoot
The gathering.
Music
Timli & drums.
Dress
Tribal colour.
Bathing
Sabarmati ghats.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Where to eat around the ashram
Gujarati Thali
Hearty home cooking.
Farsan
Gujarat's famous snacks.
Street food
Local dhabas in Aravalli.
Adivasi cuisine
Millets and forest produce from Bhiloda.
Shamlaji Kartik Fair FAQ
When is the fair?
Kartiki Purnima — October or November full moon.
Is it free?
Yes.
How to get there?
Travel to Shamlaji, Aravalli.
Where to stay?
Book months ahead.
What to see?
Music, tribal dress, bathing, devotions.
How long?
1–3 days.
WHERE TO STAY
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