Barmer is situated at a distance of 224km from Jodhpur on the Luni-Munabao section of the Northern Railways. Located atop a hill as so many of the cities of western Rajasthan are, it houses the
remains of an old fort called Garh right on its peak. 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.
There are several major festivals held in Barmer, the most famous of which is a 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. |
