Minjar Mela
Minjar Mela, also known as the Minjar Fair, is an annual festival held in Chamba, a town in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Recognized as an international fair by the state government,[1][2] the event typically takes place in July and lasts for a week. It is associated with the maize harvest and involves rituals intended to ensure agricultural prosperity.[3] A key feature of the festival is the Minjar procession, which includes a decorated chariot, folk performances, and participants in traditional dress.[4]
History
The history of Minjar Mela dates back several centuries and is closely associated with the town of Chamba in Himachal Pradesh, India.[5] It is believed to have originated in the 10th century, and commemorates the victory of King Sahila Varma over the ruler of Kangra. The word "Minjar" refers to silk tassels worn by locals, which shimmer like maize blossoms in the sun.[6]
References
- ^ India, Tribune. "Minjar fair to get international status: Himachal CM Jai Ram Thakur". Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ "International Minjar Mela आखिरकार चंबा के मिंजर मेले को मिला अंतरराष्ट्रीय दर्जा मुख्यमंत्री जयराम ठाकुर ने समापन पर दी सौगात - Finally Minjar fair of Chamba got international status CM Jairam Thakur gave a gift at the conclusion". Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 2023-07-18.
- ^ Sharma, Kumud (2023-07-15). चंबा न्यूज़ : 23 से 30 जुलाई तक मनाया जाएगा अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मिंजर मेला - डायरी टाइम्स [Chamba News: International Minjar Fair will be celebrated from 23 to 30 July] (in Hindi). Retrieved 2023-07-18.
- ^ चंबा के इस मेले में दिेखेगी हिमाचल की संस्कृति की झलक, जानिए मिंजर मेले का रोचक इतिहास [Minjar Fair 2022: A glimpse of Himachal's culture will be seen in this fair of Chamba, know the interesting history of Minjar Fair]. www.abplive.com (in Hindi). 2022-07-25. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
- ^ "Minjar Mela | District Chamba, Government of Himachal Pradesh | India". Retrieved 2023-07-18.
- ^ Thakur, Naresh (14 July 2020). "Chamba's centuries-old Minjar Fair to be symbolic affair this year". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 8 August 2025.