Question

Read the following.

FAIRS	FESTIVALS
NAGPUR FAIR - 2025	ABHANERI FESTIVAL - 2025
The Nagaur Fair is the second biggest fair in India. Held every year between the months of January and February, it is popularly known as the Cattle Fair of Nagaur, as this is where owners gather to trade animals. Approximately 70,000 bullocks, camels, and horses are traded every year at this fair. The animals are lavishly decorated, and even their owners dress up with colourful turbans. Besides cattle, sheep, horses, and even spices are traded. Other attractions include the Mirchi Bazaar (the largest red chili market of India).	‘Abhaneri festival’ is named after the village Abhaneri in the Dausa district, which is around 90 km from Jaipur on the Agra road. This two-day festival has gained immense popularity amongst tourists around the globe. It commences with various Rajasthani and local folk performances like Kachhi Ghori, Kalbeliya, Ghoomar, and Bhawai. The village of Abhaneri was originally named Abha Nagri, meaning ‘city of brightness’. The place is popular for the Chand Baori stepwell, one of the largest stepwells built over a thousand years ago.

Answer the following questions, based on your reading of the above information.

1. Why is the tag ‘A Hub for Livestock Trading’ suitable for the Nagaur fair instead of ‘Colourful Celebrations’? (2)
2. Complete the following with the correct option. (1)
   The Nagaur Fair is held ______.
   
   1. quarterly
   2. once in two years
   3. annually
   4. twice in a year
3. State which of the following is true. (1)
   1. Chand Baori is referred to as ‘Abha Nagri’.
   2. Chand Baori is a recent construction.
   3. Chand Baori is an ancient stepwell.
4. What does the writer wish to convey by stating that the Abhaneri Festival ‘has gained immense popularity among tourists’? (1)
5. What might be the most likely reason for the lavish decorations of animals at the Nagaur Fair? (1)
   1. To celebrate the cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
   2. To attract buyers and showcase the animals for trading.
   3. To compete for the best-decorated animal.
   4. To honour the animals as part of a religious ritual.
6. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from those given in the brackets. (1)
   The Mirchi Bazaar is most likely an attraction at the Nagaur Fair because it provides a platform for ______ (tourists and organisers/farmers and traders) to display an essential spice.
7. If the Nagaur Fair highlights trading as its primary focus, what does the Abhaneri Festival most likely focus on? (1)
   1. Promoting local agriculture
   2. Encouraging community interaction
   3. Celebrating historical heritage
   4. Showcasing regional culture
8. What might be the most likely reason why the Nagaur Fair spans across four days while the Abhaneri Festival ends in two days? (2)

Answer 1

1. The tag ‘A Hub for Livestock Trading’ is suitable for the Nagaur Fair instead of ‘Colourful Celebrations’ because the fair primarily focuses on the large-scale trade of livestock, with over 70,000 animals being traded annually, highlighting its economic significance over its festive aspects. It reinforces its role as a center for commerce rather than just a celebration of culture.
2. The Nagaur Fair is held annually.
3. Chand Baori is an ancient stepwell.
4. It highlights the increasing recognition and appeal of the Abhaneri Festival, showcasing its success in drawing attention and admiration from visitors worldwide.
5. To attract buyers and showcase the animals for trading.
6. The Mirchi Bazaar is most likely an attraction at the Nagaur Fair because it provides a platform for farmers and traders to display an essential spice.
7. Showcasing regional culture
8. The Nagaur Fair spans four days because it involves extensive livestock trading, requiring ample time for transactions, negotiations, and showcasing animals. In contrast, the Abhaneri Festival lasts two days, as it focuses on cultural performances and celebration, which can be effectively showcased within a shorter timeframe.