Celebrations are part and parcel of the Indian culture that brings people closer. If you dont belong to Melas, you are not eligible to be classified as an Indian. A true celebration to thank God for what he has given and also asking him for blessings for the next season of harvest, the Minjar Mela is celebrated in the Chamba valley of Himachal Pradesh.
The River Ravi flowed between the Champavathi temple and Hari Rai temple. Devotees who would go to either of these temples had to cross the river by swimming in order to reach the other temple. So the Raja of Himachal Pradesh asked a saint to the make the Hari temple accessible to everyone. The saint conducted a yaga that made the river change its course and the temple was made accessible to all. The name Minjar came from the saint’s chord that he was wearing during the pooja. Another story has it that an old lady wanted to visit the king but she was so poor that she could afford only a maize flower called minjar. Thus the name of the festival came to be called Minjar.
During the festivities, people dress up in silk costumes with a tinge of Minjar attached to it. The stalk of maize shows their trust in God. Sweets and dry fruits are sent to relatives. There is a huge procession where the Gods and Godesses are taken to the river for immersion. This seven day festival, starts on the last sunday of July. The festival begins with the hosting of the Minjar flag in Chowgan.
This year the Minjar festival will be celebrated from 29th July to 5th August. The various cultural programs organized are the main attractions of the fair. If you like being part of a cultural celebration, if you like visiting hills and valleys, if you like being in a completely different world for a change, then dont miss out the Minjar festival this year. For information on stay, please contact The Other Home.
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