Chamba (Himachal Pradesh), July 26 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Sunday inaugurated the week-long International Minjar Fair, a centuries-old traditional Hindu fair that symbolises the blossoming of maize in this historical town located on the banks of the river Ravi.
The fair opened with the hoisting of the Minjar flag. (The Minjar refers to silk tassels that glow like maize blossoms in the sun). During the fair, people adorn themselves with Minjars on their colourful costumes and pray for timely rain and a bumper crop. The embroidery on the Minjars is done mostly by Muslims.
Extending greetings to the people of Chamba and the state, the Governor said the centuries-old festival is a vibrant symbol of the state’s rich cultural heritage, communal harmony and living traditions and plays an important role in preserving Himachal’s unique identity.
Addressing the gathering at the historic Chaugan, the Governor said Himachal Pradesh has preserved its rich traditions, folk art, fairs and festivals for generations. He urged the younger generation to remain connected with their cultural roots and take pride in India’s cultural heritage.
“Festivals like Minjar not only preserve our cultural traditions but also strengthen the bonds of unity, brotherhood and social harmony,” he said. Expressing concern over the growing menace of drug abuse, Governor Gupta called upon society to actively participate in creating awareness against drugs.
“Public participation is the strongest weapon against drug abuse. Together, we must protect our youth and build a drug-free Himachal,” he said, appreciating the efforts of the Chamba Police in this direction.
The Governor formally inaugurated the festival by unfurling the Minjar flag. The traditional Kunjari Malhar was presented by Ajit Bhatt and others, who have been carrying forward this unique cultural tradition for 32 years.
The Governor also highlighted Chamba’s globally acclaimed traditional crafts, including the Chamba Rumal, Chamba Chappal and Chamba Thal and appreciated the artisans who continue to preserve the district’s rich artistic legacy.
Earlier, on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Governor paid floral tributes to the martyrs of Chamba — Ashish Thapa, Khem Raj and Om Prakash — and administered a pledge to the gathering to uphold the ideals and sacrifices of the nation’s brave soldiers.
He also honoured Kargil veterans and families of gallantry heroes, including Col Ravi Vaid (Retd), Vidya Devi, Musharbu Devi, Subedar Major Ashok Kumar (Retd), Havildar Milap Singh, Hem Raj, Havildar Sushil Kumar, Havildar Karan Singh, Ashwani Kumar and Havildar Dharampal.
The Minjars Fair is associated with the monsoon, in which the farmers pray for heavy rain for a good harvest. The fair will conclude with the immersion of Minjars in the Ravi River.
The fair is believed to have first started in the 10th century to mark the victory of King Sahila Varma over the king of Kangra. The defeated king had presented blossoms of maize and paddy to Varma.
Another tale has it that a sage in the Champavati temple on the banks of the Ravi performed a week-long ‘yajna’ that changed the course of the river. This enabled the people to visit the Hari Rai temple across the river.
–IANS
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