CHAMBA: The International Minjar fair of Chamba start on Sunday. HP Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Hans Raj inaugurated the fair by hoisting the ‘Minjar flag’ amid ‘kunjari malhaar’ (seasonal folk songs of this mountainous region), at the historic Chowgan in Chamba town.
The Deputy Speaker said the state government was making concerted efforts for the conservation and preservation of rich culture of Chamba.
“Celebrations like Minjar fair not only uphold our traditional values, but also strengthen the spirit of fraternity and social harmony among people of all walks of life,” he said, adding that there was a great need to keep its splendid culture alive.
He said the historic Chowgan (maidan) of Chamba was built with a blend of soil from 84 parganas by the rajas of the erstwhile state of Chamba. The all-out efforts were being made to include Chamba district in the leading districts of Himachal Pradesh from development point of view.
He also declared the Minjar Sports Tournament open and inaugurated the exhibition installed by various government departments and non-governmental organizations.
Earlier, Deputy Speaker Hans Raj accompanied by local MLA Pawan Nayyar, Deputy Commissioner of Chamba Vivek Bhatia, officers of the district administration, dignitaries and citizens of Chamba, including Mirza parivaar, offered holy minjars (golden hue of maize blossoms) at the local historic Lakshmi Narayan, Raghuvira and other temples.