Trilokinath Pori Fair 2026 Opens with Faith, Folk Culture and Traditional Grandeur.
Shimla:
The historic Trilokinath temple town in the Udaipur subdivision of Lahaul-Spiti came alive with colour, music and traditional fervour as the state-level Pori Fair 2026 commenced on Friday. The three-day festival, deeply rooted in the religious faith and cultural traditions of the region, was inaugurated by Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana.
The opening of the fair was marked by a vibrant traditional procession, setting the tone for three days of religious, cultural and community celebrations. Local residents, devotees, tourists, government officials, cultural groups and artists participated in the procession, creating a colourful spectacle against the distinctive Himalayan landscape of Trilokinath.
Participants dressed in traditional attire showcased the rich cultural identity of Lahaul-Spiti. Traditional musical instruments, folk performances and the enthusiastic participation of residents added a unique character to the procession. Devotees and tourists also joined the celebrations in large numbers, reflecting the growing importance of the Pori Fair as both a cultural and tourism event.
The first cultural evening witnessed an equally enthusiastic response. MLA Anuradha Rana attended the programme as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the cultural proceedings by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Pori Fair Committee chairman and Naib Tehsildar Vinay Rashpa welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries according to local customs, presenting them with traditional Himachali caps and khatags.
The evening featured performances by local artists and cultural groups, who presented folk songs, traditional dances and other artistic programmes. The performances highlighted the distinctive musical and cultural traditions of Lahaul-Spiti and provided audiences with an opportunity to experience the region’s living heritage. The crowd responded warmly, applauding the artists throughout the programme.
The Pori Fair has a special place in the cultural and religious life of Trilokinath. Closely associated with the area’s longstanding traditions and spiritual practices, the festival serves as an important gathering for local communities as well as visitors. It provides an opportunity for people to celebrate their shared heritage while keeping traditional customs, folk arts and community practices alive.
Beyond its religious significance, the fair also provides a platform for promoting local talent and strengthening the rural economy. Local artists, craftsmen, artisans and producers are participating in the event, with displays of traditional handicrafts and locally produced items offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s distinctive skills and products.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Anuradha Rana extended her greetings to the people of Lahaul-Spiti and highlighted the importance of preserving the region’s cultural heritage. She said traditional fairs are essential for maintaining the cultural identity of communities and ensuring that customs and knowledge passed down through generations continue to thrive.
She said the Trilokinath Pori Fair has significance beyond religious observance, as it offers a valuable platform to introduce the region’s folk culture, traditional arts and customs to visitors from different parts of the country and abroad. Such events, she noted, can also contribute to promoting Lahaul-Spiti as an important destination for cultural and religious tourism.
The inaugural programme was attended by officials and employees from various government departments, members of the fair committee, local elected representatives, cultural artists, residents, devotees and tourists. With the opening ceremony, Trilokinath has begun a three-day celebration that brings together faith, tradition, folk art, community participation and the cultural heritage of Lahaul-Spiti.
