Rajkot Janmashtami Fair To Take Place At Racecourse Ground From August 14–18

Rajkot: The much-anticipated Janmashtami Lok Mela in Rajkot, one of Gujarat’s largest and most popular public fairs, will once again be held at the Racecourse Ground this year, despite earlier discussions about relocating the event. The fair is scheduled to run for five days, from August 14 to 18.

There had been proposals to shift the event to Atal Sarovar, a Smart City zone, to better accommodate rising crowds and traffic. Local MLA Dr. Darshitaben Shah had pushed for the change over the past year. However, after strong public opposition and appeals from community leaders, authorities have decided to keep the fair at its traditional location.

Community figures, including civic activist Parsottam Pipaliya, voiced concern that relocating the fair would make it less accessible, especially for lower-income residents and visitors from nearby villages and towns. Racecourse Ground, situated in the heart of the city, is considered ideal due to its central location and ease of access. Many emphasized that moving the fair would create transportation challenges for thousands of regular attendees.

The Lok Mela Committee has begun preparations for the event. Those interested in setting up toy, food, or amusement stalls can collect and submit application forms between June 9 and 13, from 11 AM to 4 PM. A fee of ₹200 is required to obtain the application form.

As preparations intensify, city officials and organizers are working to ensure a smooth and inclusive Janmashtami celebration, preserving the fair’s legacy while accommodating modern-day logistics.