Visitors are thronging the much-awaited 'Lavi Fair' (trade fair) in Rampur, Himachal Pradesh.
This is one of the oldest trade fairs, promoting farm produce, handicrafts and handlooms.
The annual trade fair was inaugurated by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh amidst much fanfare.
The four-day-long event, which is organised in November every year, is said to be 500-years-old, and the state government also refers to it as an international trade fair.
Deputy Commissioner of Shimla District Administration and Organiser of the trade fair, Dinesh Malhotra, said the fair was an important source of livelihood for the people of Indian tribal areas like Kinnaur, Lahil, Spiti and bordering Tibet and also helps in promoting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
"The Lavi Fair is famous in entire Asia for displaying and selling the farmer produce and handlooms produce," said Malhotra.
The event will conclude on November 14 and is said to be a source of revenue generation for farmers and locals.
A trader participating in the trade fair, Dolma Negi, said she has been coming to the fair for years now and gives her an opportunity to meet her fellow traders.
"This time we have very few products as most of our products got damaged in the snowfall during June-July. But, we have still come with whatever products we could to keep the spirit of the fair going," said Negi.
Colourful cultural dances enthralled the visitors and traders from across the country are participating in the fair.
