The Study of Fairs, Festivals and Languages in Ravi River Basin in Himachal Pradesh, India

Nikesh  Sharma

Nikesh Sharma Assistant Professor of Geography, Government P.G College Nagrota Bagwan

Keywords: Festivals, Fairs, Language, Basin, River

Abstract

The language commonly spoken in the district is western Pahari in 5 distinct dialects. Of these, Chambiali is spoken in Chamba town and its neighborhoods, Gadyali or Bharmouri is being spoken in the upper Ravi valley comprising of Bharmour and Holi tehsils, Bhattiyali is the dialect of Bhattiyat tehsil, Chaurahi is being spoken in Chaurah tehsil and Saluni tehsil and some villages of Chamba tehsil. Ravi basin in Himachal Pradesh’s most part spread in Chamba district and Chamba is full of fairs and festivals. Of all the fairs of Chamba district Minjar Fair is the most popular in Chamba district of Ravi River Basin in Himachal Pradesh. Minjar fair of Chamba town is held in sravana month every year. The people sing seasonal songs in their respective area. Of all the songs sung during the fair, Kunjari is the most charming song in Ravi River Basin in Himachal Pradesh. The Shopkeepers from neighboring states come to Chamba town and sell their goods and the people of surrounding area purchase many articles of their requirement for one year. Sui fair is as old as the time when Chamba became the capital of the state. The Sui fair is held on the month of April every year. Mani Mahesh is situated about 26 Kms. from Bharmaur town. Lord Shiva is believed to reside there. The pilgrims of Ravi River basin and another part of India have to be at the lake on the morning of Radha Ashtami which falls 15 days after Krishna Janam Ashtami in the month of August/September every year. Nag fair is held in Banikhet in the month of June for two days. A Khajiar village is about 24 Kms. from Chamba towns. A Jatar is held here on the fourth night of Jaistha (May) and continues till the next morning. Saluni Jatar is held on 1^st Jaistha (May) every year at Saluni and on this day Nag Devta is worshipped with incense and wheat bread is offered to him. Phool Jatar is begins in the month of October every year for four days at Kupha. This Jatar is the last fair of the year and after this, the region has heavy snowfall. Bhanjraru

Chhinj is held on 14^th Asadha (June) at Bhanjraru for a day and held in the name of Lakhdata. Baar is held on the last Tuesday of Pausa (January) and Kalimai is worshipped here. Different types of local dishes are eaten in the evening.

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