Minjar Fair 2025: Himachal Governor inaugurates Chamba's century-old harvest festival
Synopsis
Chamba's International Minjar Fair — rooted in a 10th-century royal victory and the prayers of farming communities for monsoon rains — was inaugurated by Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on 26 July. What makes it remarkable is its built-in communal thread: the silk tassels at the heart of the festival are embroidered primarily by Muslim artisans, making the Minjar a rare living symbol of Hindu-Muslim craft collaboration.
Key Takeaways
Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta inaugurated the International Minjar Fair in Chamba on 26 July 2025 .
The fair dates to the 10th century , marking King Sahila Varma's victory over the king of Kangra.
The Minjar — silk tassels symbolising maize blossom — are embroidered predominantly by Muslim artisans , reflecting the festival's communal heritage.
Musician Ajit Bhatt and his group presented the traditional Kunjari Malhar , a cultural practice they have maintained for 32 years .
The Governor paid tributes to Kargil martyrs from Chamba — Ashish Thapa , Khem Raj , and Om Prakash — on Kargil Vijay Diwas .
The fair concludes with the immersion of Minjars in the Ravi River .
Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Sunday, 26 July inaugurated the week-long International Minjar Fair in Chamba, a centuries-old celebration rooted in the blossoming of maize, held on the banks of the river Ravi. The festival, believed to date to the 10th century, draws thousands of visitors to one of Himachal Pradesh's most historically significant towns.
What the Minjar Fair Represents
The Minjar refers to silk tassels that shimmer like maize blossoms in sunlight. During the fair, residents adorn their traditional costumes with these tassels and offer prayers for timely monsoon rains and a bumper harvest. Notably, the intricate embroidery on the Minjars is carried out predominantly by Muslim artisans — a living expression of the festival's communal character.
The fair was formally opened with the hoisting of the Minjar flag at the historic Chaugan ground. The traditional Kunjari Malhar performance was presented by Ajit Bhatt and his group, who have kept this musical tradition alive for 32 years.
Governor's Address: Culture, Unity, and a Drug Warning
Addressing the gathering, Governor Gupta described the festival as 'a vibrant symbol of the state's rich cultural heritage, communal harmony and living traditions.' He urged the younger generation to remain connected with their cultural roots and take pride in India's civilisational legacy.
'Festivals like Minjar not only preserve our cultural traditions but also strengthen the bonds of unity, brotherhood and social harmony,' the Governor said. He also raised concern over rising drug abuse, calling public awareness the 'strongest weapon' against the menace and commending the Chamba Police for their efforts in this direction.
Kargil Vijay Diwas Tribute
On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Governor Gupta paid floral tributes to the martyrs of Chamba — Ashish Thapa, Khem Raj, and Om Prakash — and administered a pledge to the gathering to uphold the sacrifices of the nation's soldiers. He also honoured Kargil veterans and families of gallantry heroes, including Col Ravi Vaid (Retd), Vidya Devi, Musharbu Devi, Subedar Major Ashok Kumar (Retd), Havildar Milap Singh, Hem Raj, Havildar Sushil Kumar, Havildar Karan Singh, Ashwani Kumar, and Havildar Dharampal.
Chamba's Craft Heritage Spotlighted
The Governor also drew attention to Chamba's globally recognised traditional crafts — the Chamba Rumal, Chamba Chappal, and Chamba Thal — and praised the artisans who continue to sustain the district's artistic legacy across generations.
Historical Origins of the Fair
The Minjar Fair is believed to have originated in the 10th century, commemorating the victory of King Sahila Varma over the king of Kangra, who reportedly presented blossoms of maize and paddy to the victorious ruler. A parallel legend holds that a sage performed a week-long yajna at the Champavati temple on the Ravi's banks, changing the river's course and allowing devotees access to the Hari Rai temple on the opposite bank.
The fair will conclude with the ritual immersion of Minjars in the Ravi River — a ceremony that ties the week's celebrations back to the land and its monsoon-dependent agricultural cycle.
Point of View
Chamba's centuries-old craft collaboration is a counter-data point worth foregrounding. Governor Gupta's drug-abuse warning from the Chaugan stage also signals that Himachal's festive platforms are increasingly being used to address the state's worsening substance crisis, particularly in hill districts where enforcement reach is limited.
NationPress
26 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Minjar Fair in Chamba?
The Minjar Fair is a week-long international cultural festival held annually in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, believed to have originated in the 10th century. It celebrates the blossoming of maize and the onset of the monsoon, with participants wearing silk tassels called Minjars on their traditional attire and praying for a good harvest.
Why is the Minjar Fair considered a symbol of communal harmony?
The embroidery on the Minjars — the silk tassels central to the festival — is carried out predominantly by Muslim artisans, even though the fair has Hindu religious roots. This centuries-old craft collaboration makes it a widely cited example of communal harmony in Himachal Pradesh.
What is the historical origin of the Minjar Fair?
The fair is believed to have begun in the 10th century to commemorate King Sahila Varma's victory over the king of Kangra, who presented maize and paddy blossoms to the victorious ruler. A second legend links it to a sage's yajna at the Champavati temple that altered the course of the Ravi River.
When does the Minjar Fair 2025 end?
The fair concludes with the ritual immersion of Minjars in the Ravi River, marking the close of the week-long celebration that began on 26 July 2025.
What is the Kunjari Malhar performed at the Minjar Fair?
The Kunjari Malhar is a traditional musical form presented at the Minjar Fair's inauguration. Musician Ajit Bhatt and his group have been performing this unique cultural tradition for 32 consecutive years, keeping the art form alive in Chamba.
