A farmer from Gujarat has emerged winner of the traditional laddu-eating competition held during the annual Tarnetar Fair in Surendranagar district. Balvantbhai Gagjibhai reportedly retained the title for the second consecutive year after eating 28 laddus within 30 minutes.
Gagjibhai won the first prize and a cash reward of Rs 2,000 in the competition, in which participants are served laddus along with chickpea dal. The unusual contest is among the traditional activities associated with the popular fair, which draws visitors and communities from across the region.
The Tarnetar Fair, also known as the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Mela, is held at Tarnetar village around the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Temple in Surendranagar district. The annual gathering is particularly known for its vibrant folk traditions, traditional attire, music and dance, and its longstanding association with matchmaking among tribal communities.