Rathal fair: A celebration of state’s rich cultural heritage

Education Minister Rohit Thakur on Saturday attended the historic district-level Rathal fair in the Shurachali area of the Jubbal-Kotkhai-Nawar constituency, calling fairs and festivals “symbols of our rich culture” and stressing the need to preserve these traditions to safeguard Himachal’s unique Dev Sanskriti for generations to come.

Addressing the gathering, Thakur said, “Our culture gives us the message of mutual love, harmony and amity. While we must advance with the world in this scientific and global age, it is equally important to remain rooted in our ancient and original traditions.”

He noted that the Rathal fair has been celebrated for centuries and stands as a symbol of the local people’s faith, attracting not only residents of Shurachali but also large numbers from neighbouring Rohru.

Highlighting development works in the constituency, Thakur announced that the tarring of the Sawra-Mandal-Jhagtan road, the area’s most important route, is progressing at a cost of Rs 22.48 crore. The Thana-Mandal road, damaged during the 2023 disaster, is also being repaired at a cost of Rs 25 lakh.

He said construction of the Chamsu Bridge, worth Rs 4.25 crore, will begin soon, benefiting both Shurachali residents and neighbouring villages in Rohru. Other projects include the Rs 1.74 crore Primary Health Centre at Bholad, now under construction and the newly dedicated Government Senior Secondary School building at Rathal, built at a cost of Rs 1.54 crore.

Additionally, proposals have been sent under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana Phase 4 for the Rs 5.64 crore Rohtan-Chatnol link road (Mandal Panchayat) and the Rs 6.66 crore Jarla-Kyara-Bhonwa link road (Bholad Panchayat).