The festival opened with rituals welcoming Gouhri Devta. The deity will stay in a temporary camp temple at the exhibition ground for the duration of the festival.
Municipal Council Executive Officer BR Negi said no organisation had come forward to conduct the beauty pageant. “There has been no initiative for its conduct this time. Therefore, it will not be possible to conduct the Spring Queen competition,” he said.
Despite the cancellation, cultural programmes will be held at the open-air Kala Kendra auditorium, where folk artistes from the district will perform on three evenings. Thakur Dass Rathi will headline the opening night, followed by Kushal Verma on the second evening. Folk singer Gopal Sharma, known for his hit Ujhi ra Khapra, will also perform, while local singer Ramesh will be the star attraction on the final evening.
A trade fair, running until May 15, has drawn vendors from within and outside the state, offering clothing, utensils, footwear, handloom products and local delicacies. Amusement rides, including merry-go-rounds and swings, have also been set up at the fair ground.
The Pipal Jatar fair dates back to the 15th century, when it was known as Rai ri Jaach (Fair of the King). Historically, more than 16 local deities participated, and the rulers of Kullu used the occasion to hear public grievances while enjoying folk music and dance.
The Baisakhi Sale Plan offers an excellent value of 2 years of subscription + 6 months complimentary.
If you proceed with this purchase, your current monthly subscription plan will be immediately cancelled.
30?”green-strip-scroll”:””}”>n ${e.display_status||e.scheduleTime}n
30?”green-strip-scroll”:””}”>n ${e.display_status+”, “+e.scheduleTime}n