Dehra, April 13: The three-day State-Level Kaleshwar Baisakhi Fair commenced today with a grand religious procession and traditional worship at the Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple. MLA from Jawalamukhi, Sanjay Rattan, attended the event as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the fair.
Senior Congress leader and General Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee, Surender Singh Mankotia, was also present on the occasion. He participated in the procession taken out from Panjtirthi to the Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple and offered prayers at the historic shrine.
Baisakhi Greetings & Significance
Extending greetings on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, Sanjay Rattan said that the festival is celebrated across India with great enthusiasm and devotion. He highlighted the historical and religious importance of the Kaleshwar fair, noting that taking a holy dip here is considered as sacred as visiting Haridwar.
Confluence of Faith, Tradition & Culture
He added that bathing at Kaleshwar Mahadev on Baisakhi is believed to grant the spiritual merit equivalent to visiting five holy pilgrimage sites. Emphasizing the importance of such fairs, he said they play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage.
The state government has also organized cultural programs during the fair, where renowned artists as well as local folk performers will entertain visitors over the next three days.
Exhibitions & Official Presence
An exhibition set up by the Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya was also visited during the event.
Several officials, including SDM Dehra Kulwant Singh Potan, SDM Jawalamukhi Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Tehsildar Karam Chand Kalia, and other administrative officers, along with a large number of locals, were present.
Overall, the fair has begun on a vibrant note, blending devotion, tradition, and cultural festivities, and is expected to draw large crowds over the next three days.