Bangana/Una, June 24: The historic district-level Piplu Fair-2026 kicked off on Wednesday with great reverence, faith, and enthusiasm at the Lord Shri Narsingh Dev Temple complex. Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh formally inaugurated the three-day fair by performing prayers, hoisting the flag, and playing the traditional *Tamak* drum. Kutlehar MLA Vivek Sharma and his wife, Mridu Sharma, along with a large number of devotees and dignitaries, were present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Minister participated in a grand procession held in Bangana. Local residents enthusiastically took part in the procession, which was adorned with traditional musical instruments and showcased the local culture.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Vikramaditya Singh paid obeisance to Lord Shri Narsingh Dev and extended his best wishes to the people of the region for the fair. He stated that the Piplu Fair is a symbol of folk faith, culture, social harmony, and public unity. Such events serve to preserve our cultural heritage while fostering social cohesion. He noted that the fair is expanding in scope and will further strengthen the region's cultural identity in the coming years.
He emphasized the need to uphold social and moral values ??alongside development. Rising drug abuse and social evils pose serious challenges to society, requiring collective awareness and social participation to combat them. He urged the people to embrace the ideals of their ancestors and contribute actively to the development of the state and the region.
Appealing to representatives of Panchayati Raj institutions to play an active role in accelerating rural development, the PWD Minister highlighted their crucial role in ensuring that public welfare schemes reach the last person in the queue.
He affirmed that he has consistently raised his voice for the interests and rights of the state with determination and will continue to do so in the future. Through effective advocacy with the Central Government, success has been achieved in securing thousands of crores of rupees for upgrading state roads and improving and expanding the road network in remote areas. On this occasion, he recalled the late former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and cited his spirit of public service as a source of inspiration.
The Minister announced a grant of ?20 lakh for the Tanoli-Balh Khalsa road in the Kutlehar constituency and assured all possible support for the expansion of the Balkarupi road.
Performances by Himachali folk singer Kaku Ram Thakur were the highlight of the cultural programs held on the first day of the fair. The entire venue resonated with applause and enthusiasm as he sang his popular Pahari songs. Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh was also seen dancing to the beats of the *Nati* folk dance alongside the artists and locals. The audience, including MLA Vivek Sharma, thoroughly enjoyed the performances.
MLA Vivek Sharma stated that continuous efforts are being made to make the Piplu Fair grander and more attractive, in line with the people's expectations. He mentioned that the fairground at Piplu is being developed at a cost of approximately ?1 crore, and efforts will be made to organize the fair at the new venue starting next year.
He added that priority is being given to development works related to roads, healthcare, drinking water, and education in the Kutlehar constituency. Ultrasound facilities have been introduced at Bangana Hospital, while the construction of an OPD block at Thanakalan Hospital is underway. Other significant demands, including the establishment of a civil court in the area, are also being pursued on a priority basis.
During the event, the Minister honored Nikhil Kumar, a talented athlete from Kutlehar, for bringing laurels to the region by winning a gold medal at the Indo-Nepal Athletics Championship. Additionally, Satpal Dhiman, a resident of Muchhali currently serving at PGI Chandigarh, was honored for his outstanding service.
Subsequently, the Minister inaugurated and inspected the development exhibition set up by various departments at the fair venue. Zila Parishad member Sumit Sharma, Block Congress President Vivek Minka, former State Congress Secretary Deshraj Madgil, Sanjay Saini, Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal, Superintendent of Police Sachin Hiremath, SDM Bangana Sonu Goyal, fair committee members, and a large number of devotees were present on this occasion.