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Fairs
Sovi Jatras
In Baisakhi the Sovi Jataras take place at the temple of Naina Devi.
These last for five days and people especially the Gaddis, returning to
their hill home participate in these in large numbers. The 'Dangi' dance
is one of the main attraction of this fair. The women at the fair sing
songs about the exemplary life and sacrifices of the Goddess Naina Devi
and offer ritual Puja with beautifully arranged platters at the spot where
the goddess had sacrificed her life.
Nahauli
Nahauli Fair takes palce in Rivalsar, on the first day of the
monsoon months of Ashadh. This is a fair for merchants, folk dancers and
gods and goddesses. The fair is held in memory of the Rishi Lomash. The
village folk who come to the fair take a dip in the lake which is considered
as holy as the river Ganges. One of the chief features of the fair is
the swimming match organised on the occasion. As they return the devotees
carry home the roots and leaves of the medicinal herb called Barain. Mandi
also has an old tradition of fairs. The whole of Kinnaur fairs (known
as Rasa Kayang) take place on the Baisakhi day.
Chhetsu
Chhetsu is another fair in the Lahaul valley. A tale about the
fair is often told which links it to a ruler of ancient Tibet by the name
of Lang Darma. This king was staunchly opposed to Buddhism and the people
in his kingdom finally got rid of his oppressive reign by organizing a
ritual dance of the demons during the course of which the cruel king was
murdered. Many dances are performed this day to re-invoke the original
one in which people dance in loose robes and masks on their faces. This
is known as the Assur Dance. The other annual Tibetan fair takes place
in the month of July in a village called Kibbar. In this merchants from
Ladakh, Bushahan and Lahaul-Spiti come with their merchandise and the
local produce is exchanged following an old barter system.
Haryali Fair
The fairs of Haryali (greenery) take place at Nag Nagpi, Shibbon
Da Than and Piron- Vironka Than in the monsoon months. Usually these small
fairs take place on Saturdays and commemorate the sacrifices of local
heroes Sukrat and Binchi.
Minjar
Minjar is a seasonal fair of Chamba for celebrating the rains and
the flowering of maize. It is held in August. People from all parts
of Chamba and even from other areas of Himachal Pradesh travel long distance
to watch the week-long celebrations. Besides the famous folk-dances of
Gaddis, there are plentiful music and trade. On the concluding day the
devotees offer Minjars (maize flowers) and coconuts to god Varuna at Ravi
river.
Vrajeshwari fair
Vrajeshwari fair is a religious fair held twice a year at
Kangra during the Navratri. Thousands of devotees of the 'Mata' come from
distant places to participate in it. Many perform the mundam samskar (the
first shave of the head) of their children.
The Jwalamukhi fair
The Jwalamukhi fair is also held twice a year during the Navratri
of Chaitra and Assiy. The devotees go round the 'Jwala Kund' in which
the sacred fire burns, making their offerings. Nearby is 'Gorakh Tibbi'
a centre of the Gorakhpanthi Naths. The Holi fair of Sujanpur is different
from the Holi celebrations elsewhere. Folk-dances, songs, plays, wrestling
matches and athletics are some of the attractions of the fair.
Shivaratri Fair
The seven-day-long Shivaratri fair at Mandi is unique in style
and known for its colourful atmosphere. Gods and goddesses are carried
in palanquins. After presenting themselves at the Raj Madhav temple (shrine
of the main god of the area), the devotees pay their homage to Lord Shiva
at the Bhootnath temple. This marks the start of week-long festivities.
The conclusion is preceded by Jagran (night long pooja) in which the 'guru'
and the 'chela' predict the event of the coming year.
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