In shadow of recent community clashes, Tarnetar fair to be held from 28 August


Tarnetar, 25 August 2014

Saurashtra’s one of the biggest Tarnetar fair will kick off on Thursday, August 28th. Tarnetar fair is generally a peaceful affair but due to clashes between two communities, it is challenging for police this time to maintain law and order during the fair.

About a week ago a double murder incident took place due to clash between Bharwad and Koli community groups. Before that there had been clashes in Navagam, Sarambhada, Dabhodia etc villages that are part of Than-Chotila-Muli belt close to Tarnetar. In one of the incidents, an attempt was made to burn a person. As Tarnetar fair is mainly participated by Bharwad and Koli community, police is going to deploy more State Reserve Police(SRP) jawans this year.

According to Sarpanch Devabhai, the fair will start on 28 August and continue till 31 August. It will have 700 stalls. Rural olympic on 28th will see under-16 competitions like langdi, long jump, running while on 29th, volley ball, kabaddi, rassa khench, kusti, laddu eatchinc competitions will be held. Gedi dada game has been dropped for last two years due to clashes.

Chief Minister Anandiben Patel will attend the fair on 30th August to continue the tradition of Chief Minister’s visit to this fair started by Narendrabhai Modi. Decoration of horses, bullock cart race etc will be held in presence of Chief Minister.

Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited(TCGL) has set up 20 Air conditioned tents. 10 of them are booked by foreign tourists.