Going to fairs and exhibitions

Question

(1) What is the ruling on going to fairs — the Kalba and Chhattar fairs, Dussehra (a Hindu festival) and the like — when one goes with the intention of trade or of buying something, and goods from the whole country come to the fair and it is a great centre of trade? (2) What is the ruling on going to an exhibition without need?

Answer

These fairs are the particular national and religious fairs of the Hindus; going to them and adding to their crowd and splendour is impermissible, and it is necessary for Muslims to avoid them. Yes, if something is sold there without which there is no way out, and it is not available elsewhere, then there is leeway to go and buy it; but if that thing is available elsewhere, or…

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.