Karni Mata Festival 2025 in India

Rajasthan is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and captivating festivals and fairs. Among these is the Karni Mata Fair, held at the iconic Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple, making it a unique attraction for visitors. Organized twice a year, during March-April and September-October, the fair is a vibrant celebration filled with devotion, discipline, and joy, with the entire town coming together to participate.

Festival Highlights

The festival is dedicated to the mystical Karni Mata, a reincarnated sacred figure of Goddess Durga, who was believed to have supernatural powers. Because of all her kindness to the poor and oppressed, she was worshipped as a goddess in Bikaner, and a beautiful temple for worship made of marble and stone was built after her mysterious disappearance

Main Rituals

Before the start of the fair, an idol of Karni Mata is remarkably decorated with a golden crown as well as with garlands and expensive jewelry. The temple gates open to the devotees at 4 am during the fair, and everyone who wishes can ask for a blessing. The priests conduct aarti (prayer) and present bhog (sacred food offerings). Pilgrims also make contributions, which may be designated as dwar-bhent for the priests and temple staff or as kalash-bhent for the upkeep of the temple.

Interesting Fact

An oddity of this temple is that it is home to more than 20,000 rats, but they are not chased away—they are offered food and protection instead. Moreover, feeding the rats brings good luck, as does a brown rat running across your legs.

Dates

The Karni Mata Fair is held twice a year in Deshnok, located in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan. The first and larger fair takes place during the Navratras in March-April, while the second is celebrated during the Navratras in September-October.

Significance

The fair draws a vast crowd, offering a closer look at the rich opulence and vibrant culture celebrated during this time in the country. A major attraction for visitors, including international tourists, is the stunning architecture of the temple, adorned with marble, silver, and intricate stonework. The temple's beauty, combined with the festival's grandeur, perfectly reflects the divinity and majesty of Karni Mata.