Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh inaugurated the week-long International Shivratri Fairs, 2014 at the sprawling Padal Ground on Friday.
Earlier he performed prayers at the temple of Madho Rai in keeping with centuries old royal traditions.
A grand Shobha Yatra was taken out from the temple of Maldho Rai. The Ratha of Madho Rai was followed by hundreds of hill gods and goddesses and their devotees dressed in multi-coloured hill costumes, mounted police, contingents of police, Home Guards and NCC presented a marvelous scene. The hill orchestra and ancient music instruments rented the air.
The town people lined up on both sides of the road and showered flower petals on the deities.
The grand Shobha Yatra terminates at the Padal Maidan, the venue of the fair. Here the Chief Minister formally inaugurated the fair in a traditional manner.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said fairs and festivals reflected the rich cultural heritage of the Himachal Pradesh and played a pioneering role in national integration and kept alive ancient traditions.
He also inaugurated the Shivratri exhibitions where different departments, corporate and private sectors from different parts of the country have set up their stalls educating the rural population abut the latest developments in science and technology useful for the farmers and fruit growers.
Top artists from across the country take part in the colourful cultural nights daily during the fairs to regale
the people.