Himachal Guv inaugurates International Lavi Fair

Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Devvrat today inaugurated the four-day International Lavi Fair at Rampur, around 130 km from Shimla.

Claimed to be 300-year-old, the fair for centuries served as the trade venue for India and Tibet, and was also a meeting and business point for traders on the silk route.

"This fair for centuries had been a venue for trade between India and Tibet. It had attained importance and was a unique example of the glorious, social, cultural, economic history and legacy of Himachal Pradesh," he said.

"The fairs and festivals play an important role in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the state. Every effort should be made to restore their old glory, keep the tradition alive and preserve the cultural heritage," he said.
 

He expressed hope that folk artists would leave an impression on the younger generation about the importance of socio-cultural and ethical values of the hill people.

Stressing on need of cleanliness, the governor said,"The beauty of 'Devbhumi' could be enhanced by keeping the surroundings clean and called for an aggressive campaign in this direction."

He appealed that every section of the society should be treated equally without any discrimination and urged people to come forward in eradicating untouchabilityand other social evils.

"Women should be given due respect and equal opportunities for growth and no discrimination should be made on gender basis," he said, adding the declining sex ratio was a cause of concern and people should come forward to end female foeticide.

Expressing concern about drug abuse, he said the youth should engage themselves in acquiring knowledge, social work and mainstream activities.

Devvrat exhorted the people to adopt zero-budget farming and said that number of diseases had increased due to excessive use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and insecticides.

The Governor also inaugurated the Kinnauri market and exhibition.

The impact of demonetisation was clearly visible at the fair as there were more visitors and fewer buyers.

The fair is famous for shops selling traditional and local produce. The Pashmina wool Chilgoza and sure-foot 'Chaumukhi' horse of Spiti are a major attractions.