Ujjain donkey fair: Here, 'Shah Rukh', 'Salman' and 'Aishwarya' are star attractions 

In the bustling grounds of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, an annual fair is where commerce meets Bollywood glamour — in an unexpected form. Here, donkeys named after film icons like Shah Rukh, Salman and Aishwarya are the main attraction, with their price determined not by their star power, but by a close examination of their teeth.

This unique donkey fair, running from Dev Uthani Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima, draws animal breeders from across the region for a tradition that dates back centuries, according to a report by News18.

The market is a hub of economic activity for the Prajapati community, which has maintained this tradition for generations. Manoj Babulal Prajapat, a donkey seller who has been trading at the fair for several years, explained the mechanics of the trade to News18.

"Their prices are determined by their teeth,” Prajapat stated. "Those with four teeth start at around Rs 15,000, while those with two teeth are priced at a lower price, starting at Rs 8,000."

This valuation system means a sturdy donkey, perhaps named 'Shah Rukh' in a nod to the superstar, can command a price of up to Rs 15,000. The animals are given a variety of celebrity names, from Shabnam to Jacqueline, adding a layer of local culture to the commercial proceedings.

The fair typically spans five days, though its duration can be extended based on demand. It serves as a crucial marketplace where traders from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra converge to purchase donkeys and mules, essential animals for transportation and labour in many parts of rural India.

The origins of this distinctive event are steeped in local history. Locals trace the fair's beginnings to the 16th century. The story goes that when the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb attacked Chitrakoot, many horses and donkeys in his convoy succumbed to illness. Faced with a shortage, a local animal market was hastily established to replenish them, seeding a tradition that has endured for hundreds of years.

Today, the fair continues to thrive, blending this rich historical tapestry with the practical realities of rural commerce. The enthusiastic atmosphere points to another season of robust trade, proving that even in a modernising India, some age-old markets continue to hold their unique and valuable place.