Gujarat’s most colourful fair with cultural significance celebrated 59 km away from the town of Surendranagar in Saurashtra seems to have lost its essence. Reports suggest that dancers have been performing obscene dances on Bhojpuri songs at the fair.

A viral video on social media shows dancers performing on Bhojpuri songs.

Tarnetar is known for colourful costumes, glittering ornaments and free-spirited movements of folk dancers.

While the Tarnetar fair is promoted as a celebration of cultural heritage with the support of the Gujarat Tourism and state government, concerns have been raised about the inclusion of obscene performances.

Locals fear that if such activities continue, the fair’s traditional identity—rooted in folk dances and verses—may be eroded, ultimately threatening its authenticity and cultural significance.

The question arises, despite such acts being performed at the fair, why did the local authorities and Gujarat Tourism turn a blind eye?

Even when such incidents come to light, the state government or tourism department remains silent.

The question arises as to why local authorities and the Gujarat Tourism ignored incidents at the Tarnetar fair, despite granting permissions for stalls and dangerous acts like the ‘maut no kuvo’ (literally means ‘well of death’, which refers to a thrilling and dangerous motorcycle stunt performed at fair).

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