Himachal Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh, accompanied with his wife and former Member of Parliament Pratibha Singh on Tuesday inaugurated the week long International Renuka fair by offering prayers before the palanquin of the presiding deity lord Parshuram at Renuka Ji. Thereafter, he led the procession by giving shoulder to the palanquin of the presiding deity.
The fair marks the annual union of lord Parashuram with his mother Goddess Renukaji on the eve of ‘Dashmi’. Every year on the occasion of “devprobodhini ekadashi”, the traditional Renuka fair is organised on the banks of the Renuka lake where lakhs of devotees from across the country participate.
As per the tradition, the palanquin of lord Parshuram is brought to Renuka from the ancient temple in Jamu Koti village and it departs after performing religious ceremonies, including a holy dip in the lake.
The Chief Minister said that people of the State were recognised for their rich traditional customs and culture, adding that “Fairs and festivals are inseparable part of the lives of the people of the State.”
The devotees dressed in their traditional colourful attire danced as they chanted divine melodies to celebrate the festival of the main deity making the atmosphere blissful.
The CM also inaugurated the exhibition organised by different Government departments and NGOs showcasing the development activities of the district as well as the State.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the first cultural evening of the fair and also released a souvenir on the occasion.
Chairman, International Renuka Fair and Deputy Commissioner, Sirmaur, BC Badalia welcomed and honoured the Chief Minister and other dignitaries present on the occasion.