Three-Day National-Level Maa Shoolini Fair Begins in Solan; Health Minister Dr. Dhaniram Shandil Inaugurates Event
Solan, Himachal Pradesh: The three-day National-Level Historic Maa Shoolini Fair commenced on Friday in Solan with traditional rituals and religious fervour. Himachal Pradesh Health & Family Welfare, Social Justice & Empowerment, and Sainik Welfare Minister Dhaniram Shandil formally inaugurated the festival and prayed for the prosperity, happiness, and well-being of the people.
Dedicated to the presiding deity of Solan, Maa Shoolini, the annual fair is one of the state's most significant religious and cultural celebrations, symbolising the rich traditions and deep faith of the region.
Palanquin Procession Draws Devotees
The highlight of the festival is the traditional palanquin procession of Maa Shoolini. The procession begins from the Maa Shoolini Temple, passes through the main streets of Solan town, and concludes at the temple of Goddess Durga, regarded as Maa Shoolini's elder sister, in Ganj Bazaar.
Following tradition, Dr. Shandil welcomed the sacred palanquin and offered prayers for peace, prosperity, good health, and happiness for all.
Celebration of Culture and Faith
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Shandil congratulated the people of Solan on the fair's recognition as a national-level festival. He said the Maa Shoolini Fair is a reflection of Himachal Pradesh's rich cultural heritage and religious traditions.
He noted that the festival is unique in the country because countless community feasts (bhandaras) are organised throughout the three-day celebration, ensuring that every visitor to Solan receives free meals as part of the long-standing tradition of hospitality and devotion.
Expressing hope that the festival would bring renewed enthusiasm and unity, he said such events strengthen social harmony while preserving the state's cultural identity.
Havan Performed Before Inauguration
Earlier in the day, Dr. Shandil participated in a traditional havan at the historic Thodo Ground before officially inaugurating the fair.
Deputy Commissioner Welcomes Dignitaries
Before the inauguration, Solan Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the Fair Committee Manmohan Sharma welcomed and felicitated Dr. Dhaniram Shandil, Ram Kumar Chaudhary, and Sanjay Awasthi.
Prominent Leaders Attend
The event was attended by Jogindra Central Cooperative Bank Chairman Mukesh Sharma, senior Congress leaders Ramesh Thakur and Surendra Sethi, Colonel Sanjay Shandil, Jatin Sahni, Shobhit Bahl, Kul Rakesh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Sanjeev Thakur, Managing Director of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ajay Kumar Yadav, Tirumalaraju S.D. Verma, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rahul Jain, Municipal Commissioner Ekta Kapta, senior district officials, public representatives, and a large number of devotees.