Thousands of devotees converged on the 9000-feet high valley of Prashar falling in Mandi district to commemorate the meditation of Sage Prashar who is believed to have meditated at this very place, according to mythology and local customs and beliefs.
In the two-day fair, devotees come from the adjoining six districts along with gods and goddesses with hill music instruments and enjoy glimpses of flower valleys and sprawling grazing lands.
Three fairs are held in Prashar round the year. Located on the lap of the grand Himalayas amidst lush green forests, flower valleys and pastures where herds of animals from the plains of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan come with their cattle and spend three months and breath the cool healthy air of the green hills.
Legend has it that the high altitude lake was built by the Pandavas during their 14-year exile on their way back after the Mahabharata War accompanied by Bara Dev Kamru Nag.
The entire valley since then is known to be the valley of Kamru Nag, revered by the people.
Prashar lake is also known for another wonder of its floating islands. The Bara Dev Kamru Naga was so much enchanted by the captivating valley that he made Prashar Valley his permanent abode. On the premises, there exists a wooden temple in pagoda style.
Raja Ajber Sen of Mandi is said to have built this wooden temple. Thousands of tourists from home and abroad visit this place every year mostly from Russia, USA, Europe , China and other countries.
They are intrigued to observe that how could such a beautiful spot on earth had remained neglected for centuries.
An English movie, The Frog was shot at Prashar. They camped in Munish Resorts and used to go for shoots everyday.