Himachal Governor to inaugurate Minjar fair today

Chamba, July 27

Chamba town has been transformed into a vibrant celebration space as the International Minjar Fair will kick off on Sunday. Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla will inaugurate the fair by offering Minjar at the Lakshmi Narayan Temple. The Governor will also be the chief guest on the fair’s first cultural night, which would be dedicated to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country.

The city has been decorated with colourful lights and welcome gates, with temples and heritage buildings adding to the festive atmosphere. Even before the fair officially begins, people have started to gather in groups, causing traffic congestion. Traders from various states have arrived and temporary shops have been set up in the historic Chaugan ground.

THE LORE

• The fair, which symbolises the blossoming of maize, will conclude on August 4. The fair traces its origins to 935 AD, marking the victory of the erstwhile King of Chamba, Sahil Verman, over the ruler of Kangra (then known as Trigarta)
• It is said that on the return of their victorious king, people greeted him with shoots of paddy and maize, as gifts to symbolise prosperity and happiness
• During the fair, people adorn themselves with minjars (silk tassels resembling maize blossoms) on their colourful clothing and pray for timely rains and bountiful crops

Well-known singers, including Javed Ali, Master Saleem, Afsana Khan, Shivjyot and Nikitha Gandhi, will perform during the event.

Special arrangements have been made to ensure 24-hour electricity and water supply during the fair. The Jal Shakti Department has installed over two dozen temporary taps along the roads and pathways of the ground. If needed, water tankers will also be made available. The Electricity Board has completed all necessary arrangements to maintain an uninterrupted power supply, including the setting up of separate DG sets to provide backup power in case of outages.

DC Mukesh Repaswal said all preparations for the fair had been completed. He said the fair promoted communal harmony, brotherhood and cultural enrichment. “Public is urged to maintain peace and enjoy the various activities during the fair,” he added.

Various government departments will set up exhibitions to provide information on various schemes. The fair committee has received around 40 applications for exhibition stalls.

Hotels have been booked in advance for the entire week while many residents have converted their homes into homestays to rent out rooms to visitors. With the influx of traders, businessmen and visitors from other states, there has been a surge in the room rents.

Security ramped up

Ahead of the fair, the Chamba district administration has ramped up security measures in the town.

Over 500 police and home guard personnel will be on duty in the town during the eight-day fair.

In response to the recent suspicious activities in the Pathankot area and increased terrorist incidents in Doda, Bhaderwah, Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu, security arrangements for this year’s fair have been significantly strengthened.

Police check posts have been established at key entry points to Chamba, including Lahru, Tunnuhatti, Kihar, and Jot Road, as well as Sultanpur in Chamba town. Vehicles entering Chamba will be thoroughly checked at these checkpoints. Throughout the city and at all three Chaugan grounds, police presence will be ubiquitous.

A police control room has been set up in Chamba Chaugan, monitoring activities through more than 60 CCTV cameras installed at various locations. Additionally, drone cameras will oversee the city and its surrounding areas to ensure comprehensive surveillance. Increased police patrolling will continue day and night throughout the fair.

“Over 500 police and home guard personnel will be on duty around the clock. CCTV and drone cameras will monitor all activities. Vehicles entering the district from other states are being checked thoroughly before being allowed entry. Additional vehicle checks are being conducted at various points to ensure safety during the fair,” said the Chamba Superintendent of Police.

To streamline the traffic during the fair, the administration has designated the Bargah Police Ground for the parking of vehicles. In order to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent congestion, only emergency and essential vehicles will be allowed in the market area.