International fame Week long Minjar Fair of Chamba begins today. Tulsi Ram, Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha inaugurated the fair. Minjar is the most popular fair of Chamba which is attended by a large number of people from every nook and corner of the district. The fair is announced by distribution of Minjar, which is a silk tassel worn on some parts of the dress by men and women alike. This tassel symbolises the shoots of paddy and maize which make their appearance around this time of the year.
Earlier the Raja and now the chief guest throws a coconut, a rupee, a seasonal fruit and a Minjar tied in a red piece of cloth – Lohan – as offering to the river. This is followed by all the people throwing their Minjars into the river. Traditional Kumjari-Malhar is sung by the local artists.
Speaking on the occasion, Speaker said that fairs and festivals go a long way in preserving our cultural heritage, which is the identity of Himachal Pradesh. He said that the state has kept its traditional culture alive despite the modern influences and this was a great achievement, the credit for which goes to various fairs and festivals celebrated in the entire state.
Tulsi Ram said that these kinds of celebrations not only uphold our traditional values but also strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and fraternity among the people. They infuse zeal and happiness among them, he added. He said that the fair was also contributing towards attracting tourists from the country and abroad and was promoting tourist activities in the district. He said that the folk artists were real cultural ambassadors and promoted the unique culture of the state across the globe through their performances in the fair.
Speaker also inaugurated the sports competitions of Minjar fair. He also inaugurated the exhibition installed by various Government departments and Boards and Corporations depicting the achievements of the present Government and also evinced keen interest in it.
Earlier, Dr. Sunil Chaudhary, Deputy Commissioner, Chamba who is also Chairman Minjar Mela Committee welcomed the Speaker and highlighted the main attractions of the fair. B.K. Chauhan, MLA, Santosh Thakur, Chairman Zila Parishad, Mohan Lal, former Minister, Anita Thakur, Chairman, Nagar Parishad, Kuldeep Sharma, S.P, District Officers, prominent citizens of Chamba town and people in large number were present on the occasion.
