FAIRS
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.
Another beautiful fair takes place on the banks of the Rivalsar lake on the
Baisakhi day. 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. In Rivalsar, on the first day of the
monsoon months of Ashadh a fair known as 'Nahauli' takes place. This is a fair
for merchants, folk dancers and gods and goddesses. Mandi
also has an old tradition of fairs. The whole of Kinnaur fairs (known as Rasa
Kayang) take place on the Baisakhi day.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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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