Himachal: Minjar fair concluded with a grand procession

Himachal Pradesh: The eight-day Minjar fair concluded on a grand note in Chamba on Sunday with the traditional immersion of silken tassels symbolizing the blooming of maize flowers in the river Ravi. Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania led the colourful procession, which was also joined by MLAs Neeraj Nayyar, Dr Hans Raj, DS Thakur and former MLA Pawan Nayyar. The procession included palanquins of local deities, live cultural troupes, contingents of police and home guards, NCC cadets of Government Senior Secondary School, Chamba and enthusiastic participation of the public.
The procession passed through the main market and reached Manjari Garden on the banks of river Ravi. There, Speaker Pathania performed the ritualistic Puja and immersed the Minjar tied to a coconut in the river, following the age-old tradition. Adding to the fervour of the festival, local folk artists performed traditional Kunjri-Malhar songs, which enthralled the audience. Earlier, at the historic Chaugan Ground, the Chairman also witnessed wrestling bouts, a popular feature of the sports segment of the fair.