Promote Local Talent in Himachal’s Fairs

Promote Local Talent in Himachal’s Fairs

SHIVRAJ  SHARMA 9418081247

ANNITHISWEEK.IN

Fairs and festivals are integral part of cultural heritage of Himachal as they help in social cooperation maintaining brotherhood. The format of these fairs and festivals has assumed commercial nature as earlier they were envisaged to conserve cultural legacy and for attracting tourists towards Indian and hilly culture. Ironically, a big chunk of people’s earning are spent on organizing star nights and inviting Bollywood stars performing for few hours. Social harmony has been the mainstay of fairs and festivals of all levels. At least one fair or festival is organised in almost every village of Himachal annually with most of them being religious in nature. In fact every fair becomes hub of trade activities. International Kullu Dussehra of Himachal attracts numerous local deities of Kullu Valley besides witnessing massive sale and purchase of hill products. Folk dances, wrestling competitions mark Sujanpur Holi Festival whereas Lavi Fair witnesses commercial business of woolen garments in Rampur. There are so many fairs and festivals of different natures organised across the state that attract huge gatherings. These fairs also help unemployed youth to earn their livelihood by engaging themselves in different trade and other activities during such occasions. They are also a powerful medium to popularize developmental schemes of the state government through holding of exhibitions. Commercial activities and sports activities during the daytime and cultural evenings are held in the evening during such fairs. However, Pahari folk songs like Phulmu Ranjhu, Kunju Chanchalo, Mohna Mangi and playing of traditional instruments like khanjari-ruwana, shehnai and tamak are becoming a thing of past now during such fairs. Himachal’s local artists also perform during such fairs but people’s mindset has changed under the influence of western culture. The state government must promote participation of local artists in fairs to conserve hilly traditions and culture