Pahari music takes centrestage as Janmashtami fair concludes

Nurpur, August 28

The third two-day state-level Janmashtami fair concluded at the historic Brijraj Swami temple here last night.

Thousands of devotees thronged the temple all day to pay their obeisance to the deity.

Nurpur SP Ashok Ratan presided over the closing ceremony of the fair.

In his address, he exhorted youngsters to channel their energy into sports and physical activities, and to stay away from drugs. He underscored the historic importance of Janmashtami and the Brijraj Swami temple’s historical heritage.

He said festivals and fairs played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting our cultural heritage.

Himachali folk singer Ishant Bhardwaj and local Bollywood singer Gagan Singh rocked the stage at the cultural night. The duo enthralled the audience of over five thousand viewers.

Singh sang Bollywood songs, while Bhardwaj, who has over 2.6 crore YouTube viewers, presented pahari and kangri songs.

Bhardwaj’s cultural troupe, through its performance, showcased the rich cultural heritage of the region, which was much appreciated by his jubilant fans.

His pahari songs Chali Kudmet, Shiv Vivah, Nikki Jini Gojri and Dere Hakma De garnered rousing applauses from the audience.

SDM Gursimar Singh honoured the chief guest and special guests at the cultural night with shawls and caps.

The Brijraj Swami temple management committee also honoured the guests and the artistes by gifting them portraits of the temple’s idols.

The SDM thanked the government departments involved and temple committee for the successful celebration of the state-level fair.

On the last day of the festival, a team of specialist doctors from AIIMS-Bilaspur organised a health check-up camp for the devotees visiting the temple. Over 100 patients were examined and given free medicines at the camp.