Draft:Khejarli fair

The Khejarli Fair (खेजड़ली मेला) is an annual religious festival held in Khejarli village, located 28 km away from Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan, India. The fair commemorates the sacrifice of over 350 members of the Bishnoi community who laid down their lives to protect trees during what is considered to be one of India's earliest environmental movements, the Chipko movement. The event typically takes place in [month], attracting thousands of attendees from various communities.

History
The history of the Khejarli Fair dates back 288 years, when Abhai Singh, the king of Kingdom of Marwar, ordered the cutting of Khejdi trees to build a palace. In response, the Bishnoi community embraced the trees to protect them, resulting in the loss of over 350 lives. Among the martyrs was Amrita Devi, who became a symbol of the community's commitment to environmental conservation.

Environmental Conservation
The Bishnoi community, whose name translates to "those who follow 29 principles," places great emphasis on environmental conservation. The first principle, given by their deity Guru Jambeshwar, advocates for the protection of trees and animals. The fair serves as a reminder of their commitment to co-existing with nature, with attendees pledging to uphold these principles.

Legacy
The legacy of the Khejarli Fair extends beyond its religious and cultural significance. It stands as a testament to the resilience of the Bishnoi community and their unwavering dedication to environmental preservation. The fair also gained attention on a national scale during a legal battle involving Bollywood actor Salman Khan, further highlighting the community's advocacy for wildlife protection.