MINJAR MELA
Minjar Mela Chamba Himachal Pradesh
The Minjar fair of Chamba is an international fairs of Himachal Pradesh. Minjar Fair is held in Himachal Pradesh with great pomp and show . Tourists throng the Chamba region at Himachal Pradesh during the Minjar Fair. It is a fiesta that brings into notice the rich cultural heritage of India. Numerous legends are associated with the Minjar Fair in Himachal Pradesh. Apart from it, Minjar Mela in Himachal Pradesh is one of those festivals that represent the cultural beauty in celebration mode. You can enjoy soulful and traditional Kunjari Malhar songs, which various local artists sing during this festival.
Form which date Chamba Minjar fair started celebrating
Chamba’s Minjar Mela is believed to have first started back in the 10th century to mark the King Sahila Varman triumph over the King of Kangra.Chamba Minjar fair is celebrated on the second Sunday of the Shravana month, which falls in July-August, Minjar is one of the most popular fair in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. The fair is attended by people in huge numbers who visit from across the country as well as the world.Minjar is originally celebrated in commemoration of the victory of the King of Chamba over the ruler of Trigarta, which is now known as Kangra, in 935 AD. When the king returned victorious after the battle, the people of the Chamba valley greeted him with bunches of paddy and maize, as a symbol of prosperity and happiness.
How many days Minjar Mela celebrated
The fair is a week-long celebration that begins when the Minjar flag is hoisted in the Chowgan area of Chamba valley. The fair is announced by the distribution of a silk tassel called Minjar that is worn over their dresses by men and women alike. This tassel has designs that refer to the shoots of paddy and maize. The town of Chamba transforms into a ‘riot of colours’ with everyone showing up in their best outfits. Sports and cultural programs are organised during the festival.
Minjar Mela Chamba 2024:
ChambaMinjar Mela Start from 28.07.2024
Minjar Mela Chamba 2024: International Minjar Fair will be celebrated from 28th July ,2024 to 4th August, 2024
Closing date of chamba Minjar Mela 2024
On the third Sunday, the fair is at its best, when the colourful Minjar ceremony of the deities commences in the form of a parade. The ceremony consists of dancing troupes, and traditional drum players accompanied by locals in their traditional attires. The parade begins its march from Akhand Chandi Palace and heads towards the final venue near the Police Lines. As per the tales, until 1943, during the ceremony, people used to push a buffalo into the river to propitiate the river gods. If it was carried away and drowned, the event was regarded as propitious, the sacrifice having been accepted. If it crossed the river and reached the other bank, that also was favourable as it was believed that all the sins of the town were transferred to the other side of the river.
History of Minjar Fair in Himachal Pradesh:
Chamba Town in Himachal Pradesh has gained eminence because of this fair. The River Ravi used to flow between the Champawati Temple and Hari Rai Temple. So, the people who visited any one of these two temples had to cross the river Ravi to go to the other. So, the Raja of Himachal Pradesh asked a saint to make Hari Rai Temple accessible to everyone. The saint, in turn, ordered the Raja and his subjects to assemble at the Champawati Temple. There a yagna or fire sacrifice was conducted for seven days. Next, the Brahmins invited from Benaras prepared a cord of various colors known as Minjar. The traditional culture alive despite the modern influences in Chamba and this is a great achievement, the credit for which goes to various fairs and festivals celebrated in the entire state.
Date of Chamba Minjar Mela 2024
Minjar Mela 2024 :This year, 2024, the historical Minjar Mela will start from 28.07.2024 the second Sunday of Sawan Month and continues till (04.08.2024) one week with great grandeur in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The minjar mela 2024 will close on 04.08.2024 Sunday
Chamba, Geographical Indication (GI Tag)
The famous works of district Chamba is Chamba Rumal and Chamba Chappal getting fame due to the Geographical Indication (GI tag) of Chamba Chappal and Chamba Rumal and its tradition achievements
Chamba Rumal
Chamba Rumal is a pictorial craft that represents unique embroidery, which originated and flourished during the 17th –18th centuries in Chamba town in the State of Himachal Pradesh. The Rumal is a Persian word for a handkerchief, a square piece of cloth. Chamba Rumal derives its inspiration from Paintings in their general layout and themes; there is a predominance of figures of deities, especially of Vishnu in his different forms. The “dorukha-tanka” the double satin stitch that is used in the Chamba Rumal embroidery is unique, which is not noticed anywhere else in Indian embroidery tradition. Chamba Rumal was registered Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 on 22 January 2007 obtaining Geographical indication No. 79.
The Chamba Rumal or Chamba handkerchief is an embroidered handicraft that was once promoted under the patronage of the former rulers of Chamba kingdom. It is a common item of gift during marriages with detailed patterns in bright and pleasing color schemes .The “dorukha-tanka” the double satin stitch that is used in the Chamba Rumal embroidery is unique, which is not noticed in anywhere else in Indian embroidery tradition. This stitch placed closely side by side brings such extraordinary effect that the embroidery comes out strikingly identical on either side of the Rumal. Knot does not appear in the threads used in embroidery. The drawing is done in the outline with fine charcoal and brush by painters well – versed in Pahari painting.
Chamba Chappal
Chamba Chappal is a handicraft product whose application for a GI Tag was filed by the Himachal Pradesh Patent Information Centre on 25th May 2018 and the product was certified on 14th September 2021.
Chamba Chappals (slippers) are a tradition that date back to the times of King Charat Singh (in the early ninth century). The traditional Chama Chappal (slipper) was ‘nok-wali’ or ‘nokdar’ for both ladies and gents. But the creativity of the artists has brought them to this point where they have about a dozen varieties to sell. They are namely Pathu, Slipper or V-shaped, fish-design, teen Patti wali, ek patti wali, Chandani and balu for women and nokdar and bina nok-wali scandal type and even Pathu for men. The chrome leather for upper portion of slippers, silver and golden threads locally known as ‘russi-tilla’. The designs on these chappals (slippers) consist of leaves and flowers.
The handcrafted leather foot-wears both plain and embroidered manufactured in Chamba district are known as “Chamba Chappal”. The striking feature of Chamba Chappals is the embroidery done on them. The embroidery, known as “Chamba Kadhai” is done separately on a velvet cloth or piece of felt using various bright coloured silk threads such as pink, blue, yellow, purple, firozi, red, orange, brown, black, and green etc. The embroidery done with silk and golden threads is called russi-tilla. The motifs usually are of lantana flower and leaves. They are light weight and well within the budget. Also, it remains one of the best preserved heartlands of the Himalayan arts.
Chamba Thal
Chamba Thal- Cast metal work in Chamba must have been done from the Bronze Age period. The presence of minor copper mines in Chamba district helped to obtain the necessary raw material, Alloy compound, brass is commonly used for casting metal ware in Chamba These pure brass material Thal are used for decorative as well as wall handing purpose.
Chamba Thal : 9 Carnations of Durga Mata, Vishnu, Lakshmi G , 10 Gurus of Sikhism are most common and while any other Diety are also made on Order. Other than that absolutely anything can be made on them. A metal Expert shared he made a Thal Depicted a picture of Shaheed Bhagat Singh , Rajguru and Sukhdev G. Thal comes in Circular, Square and Hexagonal Shapes.
The Metal Craft or Metal work made in Chamba usually signifies the Unique ArtiCraft made by the Expert Metal Work designer, to preserve the tradition of Chamba. Many of the doors of the Temples in the Himachal Pradesh are crafted with metals especially the Bhuddhist are very fond of Metal Craft, use it in their Monastries.
Inspired by the Story they are Telling Metal work is the centuries Old Craft which is still popular in Himachal Pradesh with the name Mohra. The Metal work called Mohra represents the Deities like Lord Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu and others which are most Commonly found in Chamba
A decorative Premium Brass Metal plate with Vibrant Images for a Keepsake Gift from Chamba Heritage. Featuring a subtle Contour and Smooth Edge, Pemium design to Adorn your Home, Office, Guest with a Tradition and Style. Comes with a hook on the back of a Plate for easy Wall hanging with Glossy Finish.
These Thals are composed of Rich Historic Folk Lore. Many Tedious man Hours and Craftmanship converting a piece of Brass into Amazing Articraft. These Premium Thals Comes in different Sizes and Designs.
Himachali Topi is a necessary fashion wear during marriages, festivals, religious functions, fairs and other local events. Traditionally, worn has a headgear to protect from the chilly winter winds, these colourful caps have percolated into cultural existence of the state to become the symbol of the state.
How to reach Chamba Himachal Pradesh
The nearest Air Port is at Pathankot, 120 Km from Chamba town. Other reachable air ports are Kangra(172 km), Amritsar (220 km) and Chandigrah(400 km).
The nearest railway station is at Pathankot, 120 Km from Chamba town. Regular trains to Pathankot from New Delhi and connected from all over of India with rail network,
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation runs long distance services throughout the state from their main stands at Shimla, Solan, Kangra, Dharmsala and Pathankot and from locations in the adjoining states of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh(UT). Private buses, serving everywhere else, frequent and provide a relaxed mode of commuting.
The Minjar Mela in Chamba is a beautiful amalgamation of rituals, folklore, and festivities. It’s heartwarming to witness the locals come together to honor their history and traditions
The Minjar Mela attracts tourists and visitors from around the world who come to witness the cultural spectacle, enjoy local cuisine, and explore the craftsmanship of the region.
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