CM Sukhu joins Chamba's Minjar Mela celebration
Synopsis
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu attended the International Minjar Mela in Chamba on 3 August 2026, calling the annual fair a symbol of the state's rich culture, traditions, and folk faith, while extending wishes to residents and a young girl reporter at the event.
Key Takeaways
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu attended the International Minjar Mela in Chamba on 3 August 2026 .
He described the fair as a symbol of Himachal Pradesh's 'rich culture, traditions, and folk faith.' The Minjar Mela is an annual festival rooted in Chamba district's royal and agrarian heritage, celebrating the onset of the paddy and maize season.
CM Sukhu extended special wishes to a young girl reporter he met at the fair, reflecting the community spirit of the event.
Himachal Pradesh leaders regularly attend district fairs as part of state efforts to promote heritage tourism in remote Himalayan valleys.
Amid the colours and centuries-old customs of one of Himachal Pradesh's most beloved festivals, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the Minjar Mela in Chamba on Monday, 3 August 2026, calling it a symbol of the state's rich culture, traditions, and folk faith.
Posting on X, CM Sukhu wrote: 'Antarrashtriya Minjar Mele mein aakar mujhe atyant prasannata hui' — 'I am extremely delighted to have attended the International Minjar Mela. This fair is a symbol of our rich culture, traditions, and folk faith.' He also extended warm wishes to the people of Chamba and made a special mention of a young girl reporter he met at the fair.
What the Minjar Mela means to Chamba
The Minjar Mela is an annual cultural fair rooted in Chamba district's distinct identity — one shaped by its royal past, ancient temples, and deeply held local beliefs. The festival celebrates the onset of the paddy and maize season, with residents offering 'minjars' (silk tassels) to the river Ravi as a mark of gratitude. It draws visitors from across the Himalayan region and has grown into a celebration that carries the tag 'International.'
CM Sukhu's moment with a young reporter
Beyond the ceremonial visit, CM Sukhu's shout-out to a 'nanni reporter beti' — a little girl reporter — at the mela added a warm, personal note to the occasion. While her identity could not be independently confirmed, the gesture underscored the community spirit the fair fosters, where even the youngest participants find a voice.
Heritage tourism and Himachal's district fairs
Himachal Pradesh chief ministers have long made it a point to attend district-level cultural fairs — part of a broader, ongoing effort to spotlight folk heritage and drive tourism to the state's more remote valleys. Chamba, tucked in the upper reaches of the state, relies on events like the Minjar Mela to keep its artisan traditions alive and its tourism calendar full. CM Sukhu's presence signals continued state-level attention to that effort.
The Minjar Mela is not just a fair — it is Chamba's annual argument that its culture is worth the journey.
Point of View
Being seen at a centuries-old celebration like the Minjar Mela carries both cultural and electoral symbolism. The 'International' tag on the fair also aligns with the state's push to attract outside visitors to Chamba, a district that has historically lagged behind Shimla and Manali in tourism footfall. Whether this visit translates into concrete policy support for Chamba's artisan and tourism ecosystem will be the real measure of intent.
NationPress
3 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Minjar Mela in Chamba?
The Minjar Mela is an annual cultural fair held in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It celebrates the onset of the paddy and maize season, during which residents offer 'minjars' (silk tassels) to the river Ravi. Rooted in the district's royal past and folk beliefs, the festival has grown into an internationally recognised event.
Why did CM Sukhu visit the Minjar Mela in 2026?
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu attended the International Minjar Mela on 3 August 2026 to participate in and celebrate Chamba's cultural heritage. He called the fair a symbol of the state's rich culture, traditions, and folk faith, and extended wishes to Chamba residents.
Where is the Minjar Mela held?
The Minjar Mela is held in Chamba, a historic district in the northern part of Himachal Pradesh known for its ancient temples, palaces, and traditional festivals.
Who is Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu?
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and a leader of the Indian National Congress. He assumed office in December 2022.
What did CM Sukhu say about the Minjar Mela?
CM Sukhu said he was 'extremely delighted' to attend the International Minjar Mela and described the fair as a symbol of Himachal Pradesh's rich culture, traditions, and folk faith. He also extended warm wishes to the people of Chamba and to a young girl reporter he met at the event.
