Himachal Governor inaugurates Minjar Mela at Chowgan

Tribune News Service

D’sala/Dalhousie, July 24

Himachal Pradesh Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar today inaugurated a week-long Minjar Mela at the historic Chowgan in Chamba. He said the glorious history and rich folk traditions of the state were playing a vital role in the progress of the state.

This was Arlekar’s first visit to Chamba as Governor. He said the historical Minjar Mela had its own identity. Expressing happiness over the preservation and promotion of the district’s rich folk, art and culture and maintaining social harmony, he stressed upon the inclusion of modernity in the successful organisation of the fair.

“Chamba has a rich folk culture. This culture is being preserved by the people since time immemorial. The traditional folk culture and social harmony should be preserved,” he said.

Arlekar also talked about famous art works of the district — Chamba Rumal and Chamba Chappal. He said the state government was taking necessary steps to accord the status of international fair to the Minjar Mela.

The Governor inaugurated the fair by hoisting the Minjar flag amid traditional ‘Kunjadi Malhar’ singing — a seasonal song of the Chamba region. He also inaugurated exhibitions organised by various departments and social organisations.

Chamba Municipal Council president Neelam Nayyar presented Minjars to the Governor. Deputy Commissioner DC Rana honoured the Governor on behalf of the Minjar Mela Organising Committee.

Sports competitions were also inaugurated by the Governor. Deputy Speaker Dr Hans Raj, MLA Pawan Nayyar and Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav were among those present.

The Minjar, which is a silk tassel worn on the costumes by men, women and children during the fair, symbolises maize and paddy shoots which can be widely seen in this region during this time of the year.

A procession was also taken out, which passed through the main market of the city to Laxminath temple and reached the Pink Palace.

The fair was once display of culture and heritage of former Chamba state and its royals. However, many residents who still take pride in the heritage of Chamba, say now it has been reduced to a trade fair. During the days of royals, Minjar Mela was celebrated for three days. However, now for commercial reasons, it has been extended to one week.

The only heritage that was still preserved in Minjar Mela was traditional singers who sing ‘Kunjadi Malhar’ in the evenings. Kunjadi refers to Kunja birds (Great Egrets) which fly over the Chowgan ground in the evenings during monsoon and Malhar is the raga for monsoon.

Pankaj Chowfla, a local entrepreneur who has keen interest in documenting the heritage of the erstwhile Chamba state, said during the time of the royals or before the Partition, Abdals — a community of Muslim singers who had migrated to Chamba state from Avadh — used to sing ‘Kunjadi Malhar’ in the evenings.

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