Twice in a year at Deshnok, a small town near Nokha in Bikaner district Karni Mata fair is held. The First fair and the larger is held in March-April during the Navratras from Chaitra Shukla Ekam to Chaitra Shukla Dashmi the second fair is held in September - October, also during the Navratras, from Ashvin Shukla Ekam to Ashwin Shukla Dashmi.

Karni Mata was an ascetic who led a righteous life dedicated to the service and upliftment of the poor and downtrodden of all communities. It is believed that she possessed supernatural powers. The foundation of Deshnok was laid by her and she has been worshipped as a goddess by her principal followers, 'Charans', as well as the rulers of Bikaner, who regarded her as the patron deity. The Karni Mata Fair is held in her honour.

The temple of Karni Mata at Deshnok is a stone and marble structure and is also known as Madh. Inside the shrine, a 75 cms. image of Karni Mata adorned with a 'mukut' (tiara) and garlands is installed. Her image is accompanied by the images of her sisters and the sisters of Avad Mata.

Travel Information

During the Karni Mata Fair in Chaitra, (March- April) special buses and trains carry the pilgrims to Deshnok. It is connected by rail and road with Bikaner, Nagaur, Jodhpur and Jaipur and regular buses ply on these routes.