Tarnetar Mela – Surendranagar, Gujarat
If you’re looking for a truly different kind of festival in India, Tarnetar Mela should be on your 2025 travel list. It’s colorful, romantic, full of traditions, and held in a rural part of Gujarat — where you’ll experience India like never before.
Where is it held
Location: Tarnetar village, about 75 km from Surendranagar city in Gujarat.
Surrounded by farms and tribal villages, it’s peaceful until the mela begins — then it bursts with color and energy.
When is Tarnetar Mela in 2025
Dates: September 4 to 6, 2025
Duration: 3 days during the Bhadarva Sud Trij (third day of the Bhadrapad month in the Hindu calendar)
What makes Tarnetar Mela so unique
Traditional Swayamvar Style:
Tribal boys dress up in their best traditional clothes, carry beautifully embroidered umbrellas, and hope to catch the eye of a potential bride.
Yes — it’s an actual matchmaking fair rooted in ancient traditions.
Colorful Umbrellas:
The iconic symbol of this mela. Boys decorate them with mirrors, beads, and embroidery to impress girls.
Each umbrella takes weeks to design, and every piece tells a story.
Folk Dances Everywhere:
Open grounds turn into dance floors. You’ll see tribal dances like Raas, Hudo, and Tippani, performed by local men and women in bright clothes.
Tourists are often invited to join — no dance experience needed!
Traditional Music & Drums:
Local dhol artists arrive from nearby villages, filling the air with powerful rhythms that echo across the fairgrounds. The beats aren’t just music — they pull you in, make your feet move, and your heart race with the raw energy of the celebration.
Cultural Competitions:
From bullock cart races to turban-tying contests, and even best-dressed tribal couple awards – there’s something always happening.
Local Crafts & Shopping:
Handmade jewelry, mirror work clothing, pottery, and wooden toys — tribal artisans sell everything.
Pick up one-of-a-kind items, all made by the very people selling them.
Temple Connection:
Tarnetar Mela is held beside the sacred Trinetreshwar Mahadev Temple, an old and peaceful shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The name “Tarnetar” comes from Tri-Netra, meaning “three eyes” — a reference to Shiva’s powerful third eye. This temple lends the entire fair a calm and spiritual ambiance, balancing the excitement that surrounds it.
What to Expect:
Crowd: A lively mix of locals, tribal communities, dancers, musicians, families, and curious travelers from across the country — all coming together to celebrate with full energy.
Food: Traditional Gujarati dishes – dal-dhokli, thepla, farsan, buttermilk, jalebi, and more from food stalls
Vibe: Festive, loud, joyful, and deeply rooted in tribal traditions.
How to Reach Tarnetar Mela 2025
Nearest Major City: Ahmedabad (around 180 km away)
Options:
Train or Bus to Surendranagar
Then take a local bus, jeep, or taxi to Tarnetar village
Time to Reach:
Around 5–6 hours from Ahmedabad, depending on traffic and road conditions
Perfect For:
Cultural explorers
Travel bloggers/photographers
Solo travelers and couples
People interested in Indian traditions and tribal life
Anyone looking for a completely different festival experience
FAQs – Tarnetar Mela 2025
Q1. Do I need a ticket or pass to attend the Tarnetar Mela?
A: No, entry to the mela is completely free for everyone. It’s an open public event.
Q2. Is Tarnetar Mela safe for solo travelers or women?
A: Yes, it’s generally safe. Locals are friendly and helpful. Still, like any crowded festival, stay alert, avoid isolated areas at night, and keep your belongings close.
Q3.Is photography allowed?
A: Yes! It’s a paradise for photographers. Just be polite and ask before clicking close-ups of people, especially tribal groups or women.
Q4. What kind of food is available there?
A: Lots of local Gujarati food like thepla, fafda, jalebi, khichu, and buttermilk. Mostly veg, fresh, and affordable. Carry drinking water or buy sealed bottles.
Q5. Can I attend just for one day?
A: Yes! Even a day trip is worth it. But staying for at least 2 days helps you enjoy all the events, music, and shopping without rushing.
