The biggest fair of Bikaner, Kapil Muni Fair is called after the Kapil who was a great sage, considered to have done 'tapasya' here for the repurchase of mankind. Kapil Muni has been mentioned in Puranas and has been said to go down from Lord Brahma (the creator of the world) himself. Kolayat was initially known as Kapilayatan and is an oasis in an arid region.
It has a lake with Banyan trees provide shade all the 52 ghats. Kapil Muni Ghat houses a temple with a marble statue of Kapil Muni.
It is said that a holy dip in the lake on Kartik Punim Kolayat redeems himself. People from different communities on the float lamps in the sacred lake as part of the ritual, which is very beautiful and offer coconut, 'batasha' (drops of sugar), nuts, "mishri '(sugar cubes) and cash in the temples. They also sing songs in praise of Kapil Muni.
The lake is full of temples and Ghats named after these temples. Some ghats are intended only for women. The pilgrimage to Kolayat is said to be worth 10 years he spent in any other sacred place.
A cattle fair is also organized where the buffaloes, camels and horses and cattle are traded and certificates and prizes will be awarded to the best breeders at the fair.
