MINJAR
Minjar Fair, Chamba On the right bank of River Ravi, Chamba is an old town of Himachal Pradesh that has a rich history to it. Known for its splendid architecture, temples and as a base for numerous excursions, Chamba holds many fairs and festivals; Minjar being the biggest celebration. Minjar fair has been declared as one of the State fairs of Himachal Pradesh. This fair is held on the second Sunday of the Shravana month. The fair is announced by distribution of Minjar which is a silk tassel worn on some parts of the dress by men and women alike. This tassel symbolises the shoots of paddy and maize which make their appearance around this time of the year. The week long fair begins when the Minjar flag is hoisted in historical Chowgan. The town of Chamba wears a colourful look with every person touring out in best attire. Sports and cultural programmes are organised. A procession of Lord Raghuvir, the local deity, culminates with immersing of fruits and Minjar in the river. In the evenings, cultural performances and entertainment programs are held. For tourists it is a time to witness the rich culture, savour traditional dishes and buy souvenirs like the famous embroidered Chamba rumal, hand woven woollen shawls and the Chamba Chappal. Minjar is originally celebrated in commemoration of the victory of the King of Chamba over the ruler of Trigarta, which is now known as Kangra, in 935 AD. When the king returned victorious after the battle, the people of the Chamba valley greeted him with bunches of paddy and maize, as a symbol of prosperity and happiness. The fair is a week-long celebration that begins when the Minjar flag is hoisted in the Chowgan area of Chamba valley. The fair is announced by the distribution of a silk tassel called Minjar that is worn over their dresses by men and women alike. This tassel has designs that refer to the shoots of paddy and maize.
On the third Sunday the gaiety, colorfulness and enthusiasm reaches its crescendo when the colorful Minjar procession of the deities accompanied by dancing troupes, traditionally attired locals, traditional drum beaters along with Police and Home Guards band, begins its march from Akhand Chandi Palace for the venue near the Police lines Nalhora. A great concourse of people is already assembled there. Earlier the Raja and now the chief guest throws a coconut, a rupee, a seasonal fruit and a Minjar tied in a red piece of cloth – Lohan - as offering to the river. This is followed by all the people throwing their Minjars into the river. Traditional Kumjari-Malhar is sung by the local artists. Betal leaves and ittra are offered to everyone among the invitees as a gesture of respect and festivity. Minjar is the most popular fair of Chamba which is attended by a large number of people from all over the country. Undoubtedly Chamba is at its very best during this fair that generally falls in the month of July/ August. For the tourists, Govt and private hotel accommodation is available at Chamba. From Chamba, the nearest visitable tourist destinations are Dalhousie, Khajjiar.
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