Dharamshala: Lidbad Mela Kicks Off with Grand Shobha Yatra, Children’s Wrestling Takes Center Stage
Dharamshala, March 24: The much-awaited state-level Lidbad Mela, held annually in Nagarota Bagwan in Kangra district, officially began today with a vibrant and colorful Shobha Yatra. The four-day fair, now upgraded to a state-level event, was inaugurated under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kangra, Hemraj Bairwa. The fair, which has significant cultural and social importance for the region, started with great fanfare as local residents, fair committee members, and government officials participated in the Shobha Yatra, marking the commencement of the celebrations.
The inauguration took place at the ancient Mata Narada Sharda Temple in Nagarota, where the Deputy Commissioner performed the customary worship. Following this, a grand procession, which included the fair committee members and the people of Nagarota, was held from the temple to the Lidbad Mela Akhara site. The Shobha Yatra was an exciting spectacle, with participants dressed in traditional attire, accompanied by music and drums, as they made their way through the town.
Upgraded Fair Gains State-Level Status
In a significant development, the Lidbad Mela, which was traditionally celebrated at the district level, was recently granted state-level status by the government. This change, credited to the efforts of State Tourism Development Corporation Chairman and Vice Chairman of the State Tourism Development Board, R.S. Bali, has added greater prestige to the event. DC Hemraj Bairwa, in his address, congratulated the people of Nagarota for this achievement, calling it a major step forward for the region.
Bairwa highlighted that fairs like Lidbad Mela are essential to preserving the rich cultural heritage and history of Himachal Pradesh. He emphasized the importance of active participation from local communities to ensure the sustainability of such events, noting that they help in fostering mutual brotherhood, social harmony, and the promotion of regional traditions. Furthermore, he recognized that the fair plays an important role in supporting local businesses and cultural activities, offering rural talents the opportunity to showcase their skills through sports and cultural programs.
Children’s Wrestling Steals the Show
On the first day of the fair, one of the major attractions was the children’s wrestling competition. Children from Nagarota, Kangra, and surrounding areas participated in the event, which became the center of attention for the large crowd that gathered at the fairgrounds. The competition was fiercely contested, with Rajat from Kangra emerging victorious and being crowned Bal Nagrota Kesari. Sheru from Amritsar was the runner-up. The children’s wrestling event is a traditional highlight of the Lidbad Mela, and this year, it continued to captivate the audience.
The Deputy Commissioner, along with other dignitaries, congratulated the winners and appreciated the participation of the young athletes, emphasizing the importance of nurturing such talents through community events like the Lidbad Mela.
Key Attendees and Supporters
The fair’s inauguration saw the presence of several prominent figures, including SDM Kangra Munish Sharma, BDO Latika, Tehsil Welfare Officer Deepali, and several other officials from the local administration. Additionally, the event was attended by numerous members of the fair committee and a large crowd of enthusiastic locals.
The Deputy Commissioner also expressed his gratitude to the fair committee for organizing the event and honored them with a memento. He also participated in playing traditional musical instruments and drums, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
With a lineup of cultural, sporting, and entertainment activities planned over the next few days, the Lidbad Mela is set to be a memorable celebration for the people of Nagarota and the larger Kangra district, drawing attention to the region’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit.
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