1st, August, 2022

 

 

Topic: Eight-day-long Minjar fair concludes

 

Importance: Himachal HPAS Prelims and Mains

 

What is the news?

• Minjar fair to get international status: Himachal CM Jai Ram Thakur
• Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur also today launched the state program “Pragatisheel Himachal: Sthapna Ke 75 Varsh” in Chawgan.
• The event will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Himachal Pradesh.

 

The Chief Minister stated:

• Per capita income of the state grew from Rs 240 to Rs 2,01,873 from 1948 to 2022 while the GSDP surged from Rs 27 crore to Rs 1,75,173 crore, in the same period.
• He said the literacy rate of the state had grown to 83% in 2022 from 4.8% in 1948. The agricultural production had increased from 954 MT to 1,500 MT and foodgrain output from 1.99 lakh MT to 15.14 lakh MT in the period, he added.
• “There were only 228 km road network at the time of Himachal’s formation and today the state had over 39,354 km of roads.
• The CM said international status will be granted to Minjar fair. He said proper lighting system would be installed at Chawgan ground.

Earlier, he inaugurated an exhibition on the theme, ‘Himachal Tub Aur Ab’ put up by various departments, boards and corporations.

A theme song for 75 years of existence of the state was also released on the occasion. A documentary based on 75 years of glorious history of Himachal produced by the Information and Public Relation Department was also screened.

About Minjar Festival:

• Minjar is the most popular fair of Chamba which is attended by a large number of people from all over the country. This mela is held on the second Sunday of the Shravana month.
• The fair is announced by a distribution of Minjar which is a silk tassel worn on some parts of the dress by men and women alike. This tassel symbolizes the shoots of paddy and maize, which make their appearance around this time of the year.
• The week long fair begins when the Minjar flag is hoisted in historical Chowgan.
• The town of Chamba wears a colorful look with every person turning out in best attire.
• Sports and cultural programs are organized.
• On the third Sunday the gaiety, colorfulness and enthusiasm reaches its crescendo when the colourful Minjar procession of the deities accompanied by dancing troupes, traditionally attired locals, traditional drum beaters along with Police and Home Guards band, begins its march from Akhand Chandi Palace for the venue near the Police Lines Nalhora.

 

Historical Background:

• Earlier the Raja and now the chief guest throws a coconut, a rupee, a seasonal fruit and a Minjar tied in a red piece of cloth – Lohan – as offering to the river.
• This is followed by all the people throwing their Minjars into the river.
• Traditional Kumjari-Malhar is sung by the local artists. Betal leaves and ittra are offered to everyone among the invitees as a gesture of respect and festivity.
• Untill 1943, a live buffalo used to be pushed into the river to propitiate it. It if 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 auspicious as it was believed that all the sins of the town were transferred to the other side of the river.
• Minjar fair has been declared as one of the International fairs of Himachal Pradesh. Wide coverage is given on TV and print media. Undoubtedly Chamba is at its very best during this fair that generally falls in the month of July/ August.

(Source: The HP Tribune)

 

 

Topic: MOU

 

Importance: Himachal HPAS Prelims and Mains

 

What is the news?

• NHPC’s Regional Office at Banikhet signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Yog Manav Vikas Trust, an NGO.

 

Purpose:

• To provide vocational training for rural youth under its CSR initiative.

 

How will this work?

• Vocational training would be provided to around 150 rural youths and the NHPC had allocated Rs 10.96 lakh for this purpose.
• As part of the programme, vocational training would be provided to rural youth in the fields of cutting and sewing, beauty culture, certificate in computer science and yoga sciences.
• These courses would start on August 1 and would be completed in 12 months. Vocational training to rural youths would improve their livelihood and also empower them.

(Source: HP Tribune)