States » NorthPosted at: Sep 17 2026 6:54PM


Traditional fairs vital to preserving Himachal’s cultural heritage: Anirudh Singh

Shimla, September 17 (UNI) Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh on Thursday said preserving traditional fairs and cultural practices was a collective responsibility to ensure that future generations remain connected with Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage.
Addressing the traditional Sair fair at Talai in Mashobra of Kasumpti Assembly constituency as the chief guest, Singh said Himachal Pradesh was a multicultural and multilingual state whose folk dances, music, handicrafts and traditions gave it a distinct identity. He offered prayers at the Bhadrakali Mata Talai temple and sought the blessings of the deity before participating in the fair. Congratulating people attending the Sair fair, the minister said such traditional events were celebrated with enthusiasm across Himachal Pradesh.
He said the fair was traditionally known for bullfighting events, but these had been discontinued in compliance with the orders of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Singh said the Sair festival also marked the beginning of the harvest season in many parts of the state.
He stressed the need to keep such traditional fairs alive so that younger generations could learn about the state's traditional culture, civilisation and customs and carry them forward.
Referring to development initiatives, Singh said the state government had been working continuously towards strengthening panchayats and empowering women.
As a result, several panchayats had been equipped with modern facilities, he said.
The government had also launched several schemes aimed at women's welfare and empowerment to encourage them to organise themselves and move towards economic self-reliance, the minister said.
On infrastructure development in Kasumpti constituency, Singh said four roads had been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, including one in Mashobra Gram Panchayat.
More than 150 cases under various schemes had so far been approved in the constituency, he said, adding that these included proposals for panchayat buildings, community buildings, link paths, school buildings, bridges and roads connecting villages in panchayat areas.
He said formalities were being completed for construction of smaller roads in the panchayat areas as per local requirements and claimed that development works undertaken in Mashobra during the past three-and-a-half years had exceeded expectations. Singh also said efforts would be made to develop the Talai area of Mashobra from the tourism perspective.
"Talai is a very beautiful place and efforts will be made to develop it as a tourist destination," he said, adding that the matter would be taken up with the state government on priority so that the area could gain a new identity and contribute to tourism growth.
Sair Mela Committee president Balak Ram Verma welcomed the minister and briefed him about various events being organised during the fair.
The Mashobra Gram Panchayat Pradhan placed various demands concerning the panchayat area before the minister, who assured that these would be considered for early fulfilment.
Cultural programmes were organised during the fair, providing entertainment to visitors.
A kabaddi competition was also held as part of the festivities, with 18 teams from different parts of the district participating.
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