Janmashtami fest at Brijraj Swami Temple tomorrow

The state-level Janmashtami festival will commence on Friday at the historic Brijraj Swami Temple in Nurpur. Formerly a district-level event, it was elevated to state-level status in 2021 during the Jai Ram Thakur government, following an initiative by then local MLA and former minister Rakesh Pathania.

The local administration has finalised a two-day celebration plan for August 15 and 16. Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar will inaugurate the festivities on Friday afternoon by leading a colourful shobha yatra from Chogan Ground to the temple. After performing pooja, he will preside over the ‘Dahi-Handi’ programme. Punjabi folk singer Gourav Koundal and the Foladhi band will perform on the opening night.

Nurpur SDM Arun Sharma said the closing ceremony on Saturday will be presided over by Bhawani Singh Pathania, Vice-Chairman of the State Planning Commission and Fatehpur MLA, Kangra district. The second night will feature performances by Bollywood singers Gagan Singh and Anuj Sharma, along with Himachali folk singer Ishan Bhardwaj.