Like every year in Chitrakoot, a historic donkey fair is held this time too. In which donkeys ranging from 50 thousand to 12 lakh were sold. Traders from UP, MP and Chhattisgarh came to sell donkeys in the fair. A huge donkey fair was organized on the banks of the Mandakini river on the occasion of Diwali. The culture of ‘cattle fairs’ is still alive in the rural areas away from the cities. This historical fair held on the banks of river Mandakani has special significance. This time the most special ‘donkey’ has become in this fair. It must have been strange to hear.. Actually, the matter is something like this. This time 15 thousand donkeys of different breeds have been brought in this fair. Which has become the center of special attraction. Donkeys are being bid up to lakhs. This is the reason why the donkey has become the most special in this fair. In this fair, traders and needy donkeys from different districts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Bihar come to buy and sell. Where according to the height of these donkeys, their bid starts from 5 thousand and reaches lakhs.
This fair is held on the banks of Mandakini in the religious city of Chitrakoot. During Diwali in Chitrakoot, the Tapobhoomi of Lord Shri Ram, the donkeys’ fair on the Mandakini bank is crowded with traders and buyers for five days. Business worth crores is done by buying and selling donkeys for five days.
The fair is organized by the Satna District Panchayat. Horses and mules are also sold in the fair along with donkeys. The tradition of donkey fair in Chitrakoot was started by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. From the fair, he had included donkeys and mules in the fleet of the Mughal army. This historical fair is 100 years old.
This time in the fair, the donkey named after Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan got the highest price. If a donkey named Shahrukh was bought for 10 lakhs, then Salman Khan’s bid was taken for 7 lakhs. Hrithik Roshan and Ranbir Singh also got a decent price. They were bought for Rs 5-5 lakh.
According to an estimate, this time there has been a turnover of more than 5 crores. However, no seriousness was ever taken about this historic fair to be held between two states (UP MP). Gradually the arrival of traders is decreasing. This fair, which starts from the second day of Diwali, lasts for two days.
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