Bangana/Una, June 26: The three-day historic district-level Piplu Fair concluded on Friday. Thousands of devotees from Una, other districts, and neighboring states visited the fair—held from June 24 to 26—to pay obeisance to Lord Shri Narsingh Narayan and seek blessings. Cultural programs, development exhibitions, sports competitions, and other events organized during the fair remained major attractions for the public. Enthusiastic participation from both devotees and locals was witnessed throughout the three-day event.
Kuldeep Kumar, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Scheduled Castes Commission and former Minister, attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest. He was accompanied by Commission member Vijay Dogra. On this occasion, Kutlehar MLA Vivek Sharma welcomed the chief guest.
In his address, Kuldeep Kumar stated that historic fairs like Piplu serve as carriers of our rich cultural heritage and folk traditions. Such events strengthen the spirit of brotherhood, social harmony, and public participation within society. He noted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state government is working with commitment to build a self-reliant Himachal.
The government is continuously striving to ensure that the benefits of public welfare schemes reach the last person in society. Highlighting various welfare initiatives—including the 'Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana' launched by the Chief Minister for orphans and destitute children—he remarked that these schemes exemplify a sensitive and people-friendly administration.
Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for establishing the State Scheduled Castes Commission office in Una, he noted that this facility has made it easier for people from the district and surrounding areas to seek solutions to their grievances. He congratulated the fair committee, the administration, and the local residents on the successful organization of the event and thanked the large number of devotees who attended.
MLA Vivek Sharma stated that the Piplu Fair is a significant center of faith, culture, and folk traditions for the region. He stated that efforts have been made to give the fair a grander and more organized form, and it will be held on an even larger scale in the coming years. He mentioned that, as part of this initiative, a cultural evening is being organized this evening at Bhalet in Bangana under the Kutlehar Festival. He noted that development works to strengthen road connectivity, healthcare, drinking water, irrigation, and other basic amenities in the Kutlehar assembly constituency are ongoing, and projects concerning the public interest are being prioritized.
Development activities in the region are gaining continuous momentum with the support of the state government. Marking 'Anti-Chitta Day'—observed across the state at the call of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu—he administered a pledge against drug abuse to the gathering and urged the youth, in particular, to actively participate in the public awareness campaign against drugs. He also expressed his gratitude to the fair committee, the administration, and the local residents for the successful organization of the event.
It is noteworthy that the Piplu Fair is held annually on the occasion of Nirjala Ekadashi. At this fair, held at the sacred site of Lord Shri Narsingh Narayan, devotees offer their new harvest, pray for prosperity and well-being, and seek the Lord's blessings.
During the cultural programs held at the closing ceremony, Himachali singers Ishant Bhardwaj and Mohit Garg, along with local folk artists, thoroughly entertained the audience with their performances.
Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal, Superintendent of Police Sachin Hiremath, Block Congress President Vivek Minka, senior Congress leader Deshraj Maudgil, Fair Committee Chairman and SDM Sonu Goyal, Tehsildar Amit Sharma, and BDO KL Verma, along with officials from various departments, public representatives, and a large number of devotees, were present on the occasion.