Chitra Vichitra Mela

Chitra-Vichitra Mela is a purely tribal fair that takes place in the Gumbhakhari village, which falls under the Sabarkantha district. The village is located almost on the border of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The venue of the fair is near a temple overlooking the rivers Sabarmati, Aakar and Vakar. Chitra-Vichitra Mela is a huge hit amongst all the tribes of the state. A large number of Bhils from the surrounding areas reach the venue, for the celebration of the spring event, just a fortnight after Holi.

There is an exciting story behind the Chitra Vichitra Mela of India. The historical relevance of the fair dates back to the Mahabharat era. It is said that there were two sons of Shantanu named Chitraveer and Vichitraveer. Both of them wished to repent for the sins they had committed. A meditating saint advised them to discover a place, where the meeting point of three rivers as well as a Shiva shrine was located. Abiding by the saint's advice, they began their search and came to this ancient place, which is now known as Chitra Vichitra.