5-day Renuka Ji fair gets underway

The five-day historic Shri Renuka Ji fair, celebrated from Kartik Shukla Dashami to Purnima, began today at the sacred Shri Renuka Ji pilgrimage site in Sirmaur district. Known for its deep spiritual and cultural significance, the fair draws thousands of devotees each year to witness the divine reunion of Lord Parshuram and his mother Goddess Renuka.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu carried the traditional palanquin as per popular tradition at Jamu Koti village during the opening ceremony. After offering prayers, he officially inaugurated the fair, describing it as a treasured part of Himachal Pradesh’s cultural heritage. He was joined by MLA Ajay Solanki and several other prominent local figures.

The fair began with a grand procession that started in Dadahu and culminated at Triveni Ghat, where devotees anticipate the symbolic reunion of Lord Parshuram and Goddess Renuka. This moment is the heart of the festival and is witnessed by devotees who travel from across Himachal and beyond.

According to legend, King Sahasrabahu once visited the ashram of Sage Jamadagni and, captivated by the sage’s divine cow, Kamadhenu, sought to take it by force. When the sage resisted, the king killed him in anger. Goddess Renuka, stricken by grief, drowned herself in the sacred lake, which absorbed her spirit. Lord Parshuram, sensing the tragedy, avenged his father’s death and vowed to visit his mother every year at this time.

The Shri Renuka Ji fair, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most ancient festivals, symbolizes spirituality, love and devotion. For devotees, it offers an experience of divine connection, a powerful portrayal of maternal affection and a son’s devotion. The fair has become a profound annual gathering, blending mythology, faith and cultural pride.