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Gogaji Fair is held in the
memory of a popular hero of the area who is known as Goga
Veer among the Hindus and Jahar Peer among the Muslims.
The Kayam Khani Muslims claim descent from him and regard
him as a peer (saint). Staunch believers have faith that
invoking Gogaji will help to cure a snake bite or other
diseases and many visit the Gogaji Fair to make a wish or
for expressing their gratitude when their wishes come
true. This fair lasts for 3 days, annually in the month of
Bhadrapada.
The samadhi is a marble structure with two minarets and
fortified by a boundary wall. The idol of Gogaji is seated
on a blue horse with a snake coiled around the neck. An
inscription in Persian can be seen at the main entrance
which describes Mahmud Ghaznavi's regard for Gogaji, he
had arranged for the renovation of the memorial as a token
of gratitude when his wish was fulfilled.
The main mode of worship is rubbing incense at the samadhi.
Offerings of coconuts, batashas (sugar drops) and cash are
made at the samadhi. Priests are engaged for conducting
special prayers in which praises of Gogaji are sung. The
atmosphere inside the hall is serene and sanctified.
Fragrance and incense heighten the feeling of purity and
devotion.
Outside the main hall, Nath priests can be seen carrying
whips (replicas of Gogaji's chabuk) which are considered
lucky and offerings are made to them. Many people can be
seen singing and dancing, carrying multicoloured flags
called nishans in their hands. Drums and gongs provide
rhythm to the hymn singing.
The Samadhi of Gogaji is located 3 Kms away from the
railway station of Goga Medi. This Northern Railway
station is 359 Kms away from Jaipur. |
