Chamba, July 28 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Governor Urmila Singh Sunday inaugurated the annual 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 week-long fair opened with the hoisting of the "Minjar" flag. (The 'minjar' refers to silk tassles that glow like maize blossoms in the sun).
Speaking on the occasion, the governor said: "Indian culture stands unique among all the cultures of the world because it has preserved its distinct identity over the years. Despite being a modern nation in all respects, it's culturally still the same, which reflects in the rich traditions, art, music and colourful fairs and festivals."
Praising the people for preserving the state's rich cultural heritage, Urmila Singh said: "Fairs and festivals offer Himachal Pradesh its identity, and showcase the rich culture of 'Dev Bhoomi' or land of gods."
Stressing the need to protect the natural environment, the governor said it was extremely important to sensitise people to the vulnerability of the environment, especially since the hill states are especially prone to natural disasters.
"We all should contribute towards keeping the hills clean, green and safe," the governor said.
Earlier, the people of the area, mainly farmers, gathered at the historic Lakshmi Narayan and Raghuvira temples and offered holy 'minjars'.
The 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 River Ravi.
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.
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.
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