All set for tribal fair in Lahaul-Spiti today

Tribune News Service

Mandi, August 13

With focus on traditions and culture, residents of tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti are gearing up to celebrate a three-day tribal fair beginning on August 14.

To encourage handloom and handicraft, the district administration will organise lady of the Keylong competition which will be based on the traditional dresses prepared by local residents.

Dinesh Jaspa, a resident of Lahaul and Spiti, said the festival, known as Kumbh, would be attended by locals as well as foreigners.

He said, “With the support of the district administration, we will be able to promote our traditional culture. Artists from other districts are also invited to take part in the event.”

A painting exhibition will be organised on the theme of traditional ethos and tourist destinations. Prem Lal, native of Gondhla valley, said such traditional fairs were playing a vital role to carry the legacy of culture, which was on the verge of extinction in the modern era.

The Deputy Commissioner, Vivek Bhatia, convened a meeting of officials to review the preparations of the event. The state Ayurveda Minister, Karan Singh, would be the chief guest at the opening ceremony.

The DC said the main motive of this event would be to promote the culture of district, encourage handloom and handicrafts besides organic farming and nature conservation.

The festival will begin with the Shobha Yatra at Keylong, which will be attended by locals in traditional attire.