Nahan: Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla presided over the concluding ceremony of the International Shree Renuka Ji Fair in Sirmaur district on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural and spiritual heritage.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Governor praised a new initiative: the daily Aarti at Devghat on the sacred Renuka Ji Lake. He urged the district administration and the Shree Renuka Ji Development Board to ensure the tradition continues for future generations.
“The devotion with which people visit this holy place is deeply inspiring,” the Governor said, describing the fair as a “confluence of faith and devotion.” He highlighted that the event symbolizes the devotion of Lord Parshuram to his mother, Goddess Renuka Ji, and upholds timeless Indian values.
Beyond the cultural celebrations, Governor Shukla also delivered a strong social message. He called for collective efforts from both the government and society to maintain the sanctity of Renuka Ji and urged the region’s youth to stay away from drugs. “Let us take a pledge to keep our villages safe and free from the menace of drugs,” he said.
During the event, the Governor performed pooja at the temples of Lord Parshuram Ji and Mata Renuka Ji and participated in the traditional Dev Vidai procession. He also visited exhibition stalls set up by various government departments and self-help groups, encouraging their work toward women’s empowerment and self-reliance.
Vinay Kumar, Deputy Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha and Chairman of the Shree Renuka Ji Development Board, welcomed the Governor. He noted that this year’s event was celebrated as a “Green Fair,” emphasizing environmental conservation.
The ceremony concluded with the Governor distributing prizes for the best departmental exhibitions. The Industry Department secured the first prize, followed by the Horticulture Department and the Agriculture Department.
