Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Wednesday participated in the International Renuka Fair organised in the state's Sirmaur district.
He along with his wife Pratibha Singh paid obeisance to the principal deity Lord Parshuram, received the devtas (idols) at Dadahu and participated in the procession.
He also carried the palanquin of Lord Parshuram and paid obeisance at the temple of Renuka Mata here, and performed puja.
As per tradition, the palanquin of Lord Parshuram is brought to Renuka from the ancient temple in Jamu Koti village and it departs after the performance of religious ceremonies, including a dip in Renuka lake.
"Fairs and festivals are an inseparable part of the lives of the people of the state," an official statement quoting the Chief Minister said.
He said it was the duty of every citizen to preserve and maintain the age-old temples.
More From This Section
The annual Renuka fair marks the union of Lord Parshuram with his mother Mata Renuka once a year on the eve of 'Dashmi' and the people of the district take a dip in Renuka Lake on 'Prabodhini Ekadashi'.
Earlier, the Chief Minister was given a rousing reception with beating of drums and blowing of trumpets by the people of the area led by local legislator Vinay Kumar.
--IANS
vg/sm/bg