Grand Shobha Yatra Marks Inauguration of State-Level Ladarcha Fair in Kaza.
Shimla:
The three-day State-Level Ladarcha Fair, one of the most renowned traditional fairs of Spiti Valley, commenced in Kaza of Lahaul and Spiti district on Sunday with a grand and colourful Shobha Yatra. The fair was inaugurated by Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana, who formally opened the festivities by lighting a ceremonial lamp before Lord Buddha.
The Shobha Yatra began from Kaza Monastery and proceeded to the Ladarcha Fair Ground. A large number of Lamas and Chomos from various monasteries of Spiti, local residents, representatives of government departments, cultural groups and artists participated enthusiastically in the procession.
Former MLA Raghuveer Singh Thakur attended the inaugural ceremony as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Anuradha Rana extended her greetings and best wishes to the people on the occasion of the Ladarcha Fair. She said that fairs and festivals are an integral part of Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage and serve as important platforms for preserving and showcasing traditional customs and practices.
Rana said that the Ladarcha Fair is one of the ancient and prominent traditional fairs of the state and is celebrated every year with great enthusiasm. She noted that fairs and festivals reflect the unique cultural identity of Himachal Pradesh and provide people with an opportunity to understand and appreciate the traditions and cultures of different communities.
She further said that such events strengthen social harmony, mutual understanding and the spirit of brotherhood. According to her, the foundation of a strong society rests on its rich cultural heritage. Fairs and festivals not only help communities preserve their customs, traditions and cultural practices but also give younger generations an opportunity to learn about and experience their heritage.
The MLA appreciated the Ladarcha Fair Committee for making arrangements for the event and conveyed her best wishes to the committee for the successful conduct of the three-day fair.
Fair Committee Chairperson and Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kaza, Shikha Simtia welcomed the chief guest, Anuradha Rana. She honoured the MLA by presenting her with a traditional Himachali cap, a Thangka and a memento.
During the ceremony, the chief guest also honoured prominent Lamas and Chomos from various monasteries, along with other distinguished guests, by presenting them with Khata and prosperity symbols.
Rana also visited stalls set up by local Mahila Mandals and Self-Help Groups and inspected exhibitions organised by various government departments. The stalls and exhibitions showcased local products, traditional culture and departmental activities.
Shikha Simtia expressed gratitude to MLA Anuradha Rana for inaugurating the fair and briefed the gathering about the various activities and programmes scheduled during the three-day event.
The inaugural day also featured a vibrant series of cultural performances. Bu-Chen artists, the Kaza Mahila Mandal, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Lari, Government Senior Secondary School Losar and Sagnam, Moonsling School Rangrik, Vijay Modka and the Bar Mahila Mandal presented traditional and cultural performances that entertained the audience and added colour to the celebrations.
A large number of public representatives, government officials, local residents and tourists attended the inaugural programme.
Among those present were District Congress Committee President Dorje Larje, District Mahila Congress President Kamla Thakur, former District Congress President Gyalchen Thakur, Executive Member Rajender Karpa, Congress Block President Dorje Chhering, BDC Chairperson Chhering Dolma, TAC members Kesang Rapchik, Sunny, Veer Bhagat and Chhewang Ringzin, SDM Dikshit Rana, DFO Goldie Chhabra, BDO Anshul, Tehsildar Dharam Pal Negi, officials from various departments and local elected representatives.
The three-day Ladarcha Fair is expected to provide a vibrant platform for showcasing Spiti’s distinctive Buddhist traditions, folk culture, local art and community heritage while bringing together residents, visitors, artists and representatives from different parts of the region.
