Spring Festival begins on a colourful note

Our Correspondent

Kullu, April 28

A three-day state-level Spring Festival, locally known as Pipal Jatra, got off to a colourful start here today.

Deputy Commissioner Yunus Khan inaugurated the festival at the Lal Chand Prarthi Kala Kendra at Dhalpur. Earlier, the Kullu Municipal Committee office-bearers welcomed the local deity, Gouhri Devta, by performing the traditional rituals to commence the celebrations.

Gopal Krishan Mahant, vice-president, municipal committee, welcomed the chief guest and said the traditional fairs and festivals exhibited and preserved the rich cultural heritage. He said Kullu was known as the “Valley of Gods” and people here had a great belief and association with the local deities.

Gopal said cultural presentations would be held at Kala Kendra with performances by famous playback singers and comedians. He said a troupe from Russia would also enthral the audience and local artists would be provided with an opportunity to present their skills in the festival.

The vice-president said a spring queen beauty pageant was being organised for the first time during the festival. Various other events and competitions were also being organised during the festival, he added.

The fair, which is famous for cattle sale, was earlier known as the “Rai Ri Jaach” (Fair of the King), while the erstwhile rulers of Kullu used to organise the fair and listen to the grievances of the people, besides enjoying the local songs and folk dances. Hundreds of cattle were brought from far-off places for sale and even now the cattle fair was organised.

The local folk songs and dances stole the show of the first evening of the cultural night programmes at the Kala Kendra that remained a big attraction for tourists and local residents alike.