The week-long International Minjar fair of Chamba concluded on Sunday amidst jubilation as Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, who was tied Minjar (silken tassel, symbolising top blossoms of maize plant) and adorned in a colourful turban participated in a colourful traditional Shobha Yatra (procession) of the historic fair.
The procession started from the Akhand Chandi Palace and passed through the main bazar, wherein thousands of people from all over the district dressed in their traditional and colourful attire participated.
The procession was led by lord Raghuvir, the principal deity of the town, who was carried in a beautifully decorated palanquin and accompanied with Chadi (insignia) of local gods and goddesses. The people from all over the district and other neighbouring states queued up on both sides of the road to have glimpse of the elegant display. The procession finally culminated at Manjari Garden where traditional ‘Kunjari Malhar’ was sung and the Chief Minister immersed the Minjar and coconuts in river Ravi.
The Chief Minister also presided over the closing ceremony of traditional ‘Chinj’ (wrestling) competitions of both men and women at the historic Chaugan and presented the prizes to the winners of the various competitions. It was for the first time that the women from outside the state participated in the wrestling competition during Minjar.
A colourful Dandaras dance (Tribal dance) of Bharmour region was also performed at Chamba Chaugan.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated Rs 10.38 crore new block of Regional Hospital, Chamba with additional 100 bed facility.
He also inaugurated Steel Trust Bridge over Rathiar Khud on Bhanera-Kolka road completed with an outlay of Rs 2.19 crore and Rs 1.46 crore lift irrigation supply scheme Sungal in Gram Panchayat Sungal which will benefit Naun, Koh and Sungal villages besides other nearby habitations.
He also launched the second phase of ‘One District One Police Station project’ (ODPS), for which Chamba Sadar Police Station has been selected. The Chief Minister launched the first stage in March, 2013 at Regional Forensic laboratory Dharamsala.
later in the evening, Virbhadra Singh visited the exhibitions set up by various government departments and NGOs.
He also presided over the cultural evening of eight days long International Minjar Fair, where he was honoured by the Chairman Minjar Mela Committee and Deputy Commissioner, Chamba Sudesh Mokhta. The Chief Minister also released the Minjar Souvenir on the occasion.