Manali, May 16
The famous Dhungri Fair, popularly known as “Mini Dussehra,” commenced with great religious fervor and cultural enthusiasm in Manali’s Dhungri village on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Maa Hidimba. The annual fair, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Kullu valley, witnessed a massive gathering of devotees, tourists, and local residents.
The fair is organised in honour of Maa Hidimba, the revered presiding deity of Manali and grandmother deity of the Kullu royal family. The celebrations began with traditional rituals and prayers at the historic Hidimba Temple in Old Manali, where the arrival of the goddess’s palanquin created a deeply devotional atmosphere. Devotees welcomed the deity with flower showers as traditional musical instruments echoed throughout the temple premises.
One of the major highlights of the opening day was the symbolic reunion of Maa Hidimba with her son Veer Ghatotkach. The deity of Ghatotkach arrived in Manali from Sindhwa village in Banjar, nearly 100 kilometers away, after a four-day journey with night halts. The emotional “mother-son” reunion left devotees overwhelmed and imbued the fair with spiritual significance.
Several other local deities, including Shankh Narayan from Nasogi and Siyali Mahadev from Siyal, also participated in the grand Dev Milan (meeting of deities). Organisers stated that more than 20 deities from nearby regions are expected to participate in the fair’s concluding ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Maa Hidimba’s Kardar, Raghuvir Negi, said the Dhungri Fair is celebrated every year on Jyeshtha Sankranti to mark the birth anniversary of the goddess. He added that the event not only reflects the region’s rich dev culture but also showcases the vibrant folk traditions of Himachal Pradesh.
Local resident Lal Chand Sharma said the fair holds immense cultural and religious importance for the people of the Kullu valley and attracts visitors from across the country every year.
Tourists visiting Manali during the festivities also expressed admiration for the spiritual and cultural experience. A tourist named Madhav said he felt fortunate to witness the celebrations and seek the blessings of Maa Hidimba on such a special occasion.
The Dhungri Fair, often called Kullu’s “Mini Dussehra,” remains one of the most significant traditional events in the region, preserving the valley’s centuries-old customs and devotional heritage.
