Wrestling bout, folk music, dance light up Baisakhi fair in Kangra

The two-day district-level fair celebrating Baisakhi concluded with immense enthusiasm and traditional fervour at Jawali in Kangra district last night. On the second day of the celebration, local MLA and Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar presided over the event, while former Chief Parliamentary Secretary (CPS) and ex-MLA Neeraj Bharti graced the occasion as the special guest.

A vibrant ‘shobha yatra’ was led by the chief guest and proceeded from the PWD rest house to the wrestling bout venue. After offering prayers at the Pir Bhabha and Jalpa Mata temples, Chander Kumar greeted the local community and extended wishes for their well-being and prosperity. “Baisakhi is not merely a festival but a celebration of our vibrant cultural heritage,” he said. “Events like these strengthen rural life, promote folk traditions and foster social harmony. Jawali, also referred to as ‘Mini Haridwar’, holds immense historical significance.”

The wrestling competitions drew enthusiastic participation, with over 200 wrestlers from Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring states taking part in both the open category (carrying prize money worth Rs 6 lakh) and the scheduled bout (worth Rs 4 lakh). Jassa Patti from Amritsar and Monu Dhaiya from Delhi emerged as winners. They were awarded cash prizes of Rs 1 lakh and Rs 70,000, respectively. While distributing the awards, the minister said such contests promote physical fitness, discipline and sportsmanship among the youth.

Himachal Tribune