The term Mela means a fair. The small town of Tarnetar of Surendranagar, Saurshtra, about 75 kilometres from Rajkot is the site for one of Gujarat's most well known annual fairs, the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair popularly called the Tarnetar Mela. It is an exciting and a unique fair held annually at Tarnetar in Saurashtra.

In the first week of 'Bhadrapad' (August-September) Tarnetar is transformed into a whirl of colour and excitement. The Tarnetar fair is one of the most colourful events in the state of Gujarat. This three-day fair is held at the Temple of Shiva or Trinetreshwar (three-eyed god) popularly known as Tarnetar coincides with the festival at the Trineteshwar Temple, celebrating the wedding of the legendary Mahabharat hero, Arjuna with Draupadi.

There is a 'kund' (reservoir) here and it is popularly believed that a dip in its waters is as holy as a dip in the sacred River Ganges. The reservoir is also known as 'Papanshu' (the destroyer of sins).

Villagers from all over Saurashtra, dressed in their traditional costumes and exquisite jewellery throng Tarnetar in their thousands for the fair.

The fair is a kind of a marriage market for the local tribals - the Kolis, Bharwads and Rabaris.

The tribal youth visit the Tarnetar mela to find them suitable brides. They are elegantly dressed in colourful dhotis, embroidered jackets and eye-catching turbans come to be chosen by village belles dressed in colourful finery. The bachelors are usually identified by their large umbrellas (Chhatris)with intricate embroidery and mirror work.

An added attraction of the fair is is the lively folk dance performances such as ras-garba and hudo dance and the 'rasada', the fascinating folk dance performed by hundreds of women.