Three-day district-level fair to be held from October 20 to 22, reviving a centuries-old princely tradition
Shimla, October 13: The historic Dussehra fair of Junga will be held at the Government Senior Secondary School grounds from October 20 to 22, following permission granted by the Himachal Pradesh High Court. The decision has brought cheer to local residents and paved the way for the revival of the traditional celebration at its original venue.
Khush Vikram Sen, chairman, and Pankaj Sen, senior vice-president of the Keonthal Heritage Archaeological Culture and Temple Restoration Committee, said the committee had approached the High Court seeking permission to organise the fair on the school playground.The petition argued that government offices and educational institutions would remain closed during the three-day event owing to gazetted and local holidays. After hearing the matter, the court granted permission for the fair to be held at the historic grounds.
The High Court has prohibited fairs and political events on the campuses of educational institutions. In view of this restriction, the committee sought special permission to continue the longstanding tradition. Two years ago, the fair had to be organised outside the palace of the erstwhile Keonthal State and at the police grounds due to the absence of permission.Pankaj Sen said the Junga Dussehra fair had traditionally been celebrated on the school grounds since the princely era. A distinctive feature of the festival is the traditional burning of effigies by the erstwhile ruler of Keonthal, a custom that continues to hold historical and cultural significance.
Recognising its heritage value, the fair has been accorded district-level status. Initially celebrated as a one-day event, it was later expanded to three days to attract more visitors. Every year, people from across the former Keonthal State gather in Junga to participate in the festivities.This year’s permission to use the historic grounds is expected to help restore the fair’s traditional setting and preserve an important part of the region’s cultural heritage.
