The tourist attractions in the tiny town of Barmer range from the historical forts to colorful festivals adding color and warmth to the otherwise dry landscape. The name Barmer is derived from the ruler Bahada Rao or Bar Rao who is said to have founded the town in the 13th century. Initially called 'Bahada-mer' it was later shortened to Barmer.

Arts and Crafts in Barmer

Being a barren wasteland, the people of Barmer have learnt the hard way that they need to develop exceptional skills in order to survive. So it is but natural that they chnanelised their creative skills into intricate weaving and pottery. Barmer is now known for its rich crafts, dances and music. This is evident even in the mud-walled houses decorated with delicate folk motifs and the colorfully attired people. The Bhopas (priest singers) are found in Barmer, who compose music in honor of the deities of the region and its war heroes. The other folk musicians come from a community called the Muslim Dholis (drummers) for most of whom this is the only means of livelihood. They sing mainly at festivals and other social occasions to the accompaniment of the Kamayacha (a stringed instrument played with a bow). The other musical instrument popular in Barmer is the algoza (two flutes played together).

Attractions in Barmer

The tourist attractions in Barmer are the Barmer Fort. Actually the Barmer town sits atop a rocky hill, where one can find the ruins of the old Barmer Fort scattered all over. The Balark Temple, dedicated to Balark (the Sun God) and the ancient ruins of Juna Barmer are other interesting tourist attractions in Barmer.There are three Jain temples, an inscription of 1295 AD and a massive pillar in the hall of the largest temple of Maharaja Kula Sri Samanta Sinha Deva, a ruler of Barmer, which are worth visiting. At a distance of 35km on the foot of a hill near village Hathma in Barmer is Kiradu, which boasts of a beautifully carved temple with fine details of temple architecture. Once the capital of Punwars, Kiradu was called Kiratkoop, as revealed in the 1161 AD inscription found here. The ruins of five ancient temples-one dedicated to Lord Vishnu and other four dedicated to Lord Shiva are of major interest to archaeologists and art lovers, alike. The biggest and most impressive of these temples is the Someshwar Temple. Then there is the Mahaveer Park , a beautifully laid out park along with a small museum showcasing ancient stone carved statues.

About 23kms from Barmer is Neemari, another alluring garden on Chohatan route.

Excursions from Barmer

Excursions can be made from Barmer to places around this small town, many of them housing temples with ancient history trapped in their ruins. Khed, a historical town has an old Vishnu Temple of Ranchhriji, bounded by a crumbling wall, and an image of Garuda (the eagle) at the gate attends the complex. Other temple attractions of Khed include Brahma, Bhairav, Mahadev and a Jain temple.

Once a principal state of Mallani, the ancient ancient village of Jasol has a Jain temple and a Hindu temple, both of which are worth visiting. Meva Nagar on the slope of a hill called Nagar-Ki-Bhakarian has three Jain temples, the biggest of these is the one dedicated to Nakoda Parsvanath.

Fairs and Festivals in Barmer

There are several major festivals held in Barmer, the most famous of which is a Tilwara Cattle Fair held every year at Tilwara village situated on the banks of the Luni river. The fair goes on for a fortnight in the months of March April. The other major festival is the Barmer Thar Festival of Rajastan, which was a creation of the tourist office, started as a practice to enhance the tourism potential of this town. This festival too is held in early March every year. A major yearly religious fair is held at Khed on every Poornima (full moon) at the Ranchor Rai Mandir there. Another fair called Nakoda Parasvanath is held at a village called Nagar Meva, which is about 8km from the town of Balotara. There is a Jain temple there dedicated to the Jain prophet Parasvanath, and the fair is held every year on Posh Badi (Dec-Jan) to celebrate his birth. At a distance of 12kms from village Chohatan in Veeratara, the festival of Veeratara Mela is held. This festival is celebrated thrice a year in the months of Chaitra (March-April), Bhadrapada (August-September)

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