Himachal : International Renuka Ji Fair Concludes
Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that the Renuka Ji fair is a manifestation of the reverence and devotion of Lord Parshuram towards his mother, Mata Renuka ji and added that it upholds rich values of Indian Society. He was addressing the concluding ceremony of the International Renuka Fair at Renuka ji in Sirmour district today.
Governor said that fairs and festivals were symbols of the rich cultural heritage of the State and should be preserved at all costs. He said that a glimpse of rich traditions could be seen in such festivals, which also go a long way in strengthening bonds of brotherhood and unity. Celebrating these festivals makes the young generation aware of our glorious culture, he added. He said that the logic behind this cultural message was that we belong to this country. There may be diversity in our ethics, way of life and language, but our culture gave us the message of being one, he added.
“I am privileged to have darshan of Parshuram ji and Mata Renukaji from Gomatak, the land of Parshuram ji, from Goa to Devbhoomi Himachal”, said Arlekar.
He congratulated all citizens for the successful organization of the fair. He said that Renuka ji has its own religious sanctity and people from within and outside the State visit the place to pay their obeisance. The place has high potential for tourist activity and attracts thousands of tourists every year, especially during the fair, he added.
Earlier, the Governor also visited the Exhibitions put up by various government departments and organizations in the fair and evinced keen interest in exhibits. He also gave away prizes to the winners of Exhibitions.
Later, the Governor gave away the prizes to the winning teams in the sports competitions organized during the fair, under which women’s Shillai Sirmour got first prize in kabaddi, Jind Haryana got runner-up prize. In the men’s category Sports academy Shillai Sirmour got first prize and Parshuram Club Ghalja was the runner-up team. In the men’s volleyball competition ex-serviceman Sangrah Sirmaur won the first prize and Sarahan was the runner-up. In the badminton competition, Rakshit Badon Adarsh Rajgarh Sirmour got the first prize.
Earlier, the Governor performed pooja in Lord Parshuram Ji and Mata Renuka ji temples and also participated in the ‘Dev Vidai’ procession.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner of Sirmaur and Chairman, Shri Renukaji Development Board, Shri Ram Kumar Gautam welcomed the Governor and expressed his gratitude for presiding over the closing ceremony of the fair. He also detailed various activities organized during the fair.
Shri Vinay Kumar, MLA, Seema Kanyal, Chairperson, Zilla Parishad Sirmaur, Shri Priyatu Mandal, Divisional Commissioner Shimla, Shri Omapati Jamwal, Superintendent of Police, Shri Roop Singh, former MLA, Shri Balvir Chauhan, former President, Scheduled Caste Development Corporation, Shri Mela Ram Sharma, President, Sangrah Block Development Committee, Anita Sharma, President, Nahan Block Development Committee, Office Bearers of Renuka Development Board, prominent people of the area and senior officers of the district were present on the occasion.
