Donkeys Celebrated with Pageantry and Pride at Bhilwara Festival

Every year in the sun-scorched town of Bhilwara, Rajasthan, a unique festival unfolds that celebrates the humble donkey. The annual donkey fair, held a day after Diwali, is a vibrant celebration of the animal that has long been the backbone of rural life for the local potter (Prajapati) community.

The fair draws hundreds of farmers, traders, and families from across Rajasthan and beyond to Mandal, where the town transforms into a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and tradition. At the heart of the festivities is the donkey beauty contest, where the hardworking creatures are bathed, decorated, and paraded through the central market square. The donkeys are also fed jaggery and startled with firecrackers before a lively race.

This annual event is a testament to the town's deep appreciation for the donkey's role in their livelihoods. Though economic conditions have improved and donkeys no longer serve as beasts of burden, the people of Bhilwara still remember and value the animal's historical significance. The fair is a cultural tapestry where folk singers, children's parades, and communal feasts all come together to honor the donkey and the shared spirit of rural Rajasthan.