The International Lavi Fair 2026 will be held in Rampur, Himachal Pradesh, from November 11 to 14, with four cultural evenings and a range of activities showcasing the region’s heritage, handicrafts, local food and traditional arts lined up. The Lavi Fair Organising Committee, chaired by Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, finalised the schedule at a meeting.
The four cultural evenings will include two evenings dedicated to Pahari culture, one to Bollywood and one to Punjabi music. Other attractions will include sports competitions, a laser show, a traditional musical instruments competition, a poetry gathering, a traditional food festival, a wall art competition, and the Mr and Miss Bushahr contests.
Held annually in November, the fair is known for traditional trade, cultural performances, and local products. Visitors can explore stalls selling Himachali caps, woollen items, handicrafts and dry fruits, including khumani. Visitors also enjoy traditional food such as siddu and makki ki roti.
Bushahr Heritage to Be Showcased
The fair will feature exhibitions on the history and heritage of the former Bushahr princely state, including old photographs and documents, traditional handicrafts, handloom products, woollen items, jewellery, and local agricultural and horticultural produce.
The event will also display apples and other horticultural products, traditional dishes, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and other local products. Attractions will include live demonstrations of traditional crafts, local architecture and heritage, the Rampur Heritage Walk, and the traditional Lavi Bazaar. The fair will also highlight the historical trade links between Bushahr and Tibet.
Kashyap said the fair represents the region’s historical and cultural heritage and its long-standing trading traditions. He stressed the need to preserve traditional crafts and cultural practices and ensure participation by people of all age groups.
Special Decorations and Visitor Facilities
Rampur will have special lighting and decorations during the fair, with selfie points at various locations. Schoolchildren and the public will be invited to contribute items for the fair souvenir.
Kashyap said more temporary drinking water connections would be provided than last year. The town will also arrange a special traffic plan and parking facilities at different locations.
Around 300 Police Personnel deployed for Security
Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh said around 300 police personnel would be deployed to maintain law and order during the fair. Additional Superintendent of Police Gauravjeet Singh will oversee security arrangements. Special measures will be taken to manage traffic, and illegal activities such as gambling will be closely monitored.
Chamurthi Horses to Be Major Attraction
A special equine exhibition at the fairground will feature Himachal Pradesh’s Chamurthi breed of horses, also known as the Spiti breed. These horses are known for their short stature, well-proportioned bodies, and ability to navigate difficult mountain routes and snowy terrain.
The organisers plan to include horse breeds from other states to promote trade and animal husbandry. Universities from other states will also be invited. The exhibition will feature 400-meter and 800-meter horse races and balloon-popping contests.
A farmers’ meet will provide information on animal health, care, feeding and improved animal husbandry practices. Representatives from other states will share their experiences, while horse breeders’ concerns will also be discussed.
Kinnauri Market to Get Uniform Canopies
The organising committee will provide uniform canopies for the Kinnauri Market to maintain a consistent appearance. The market is known for traditional dry fruits, pulses, clothes and other local products.
Government departments will also display their major works and achievements from the past three years. The focus will be on new achievements, rather than repeating last year’s displays.
Essay Competition for Schoolchildren
For the first time, the event will hold an essay-writing competition for students from schools in Rampur and nearby areas. Students who secure first, second, and third positions at their respective schools will qualify for the final round. Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants in the final, while other participants will receive incentive prizes.
Students will write essays on the history of the Lavi Fair at the school level. The rules and conditions will be announced soon.
Public Awareness Activities
The fair will also feature activities related to the Nasha Mukt Himachal campaign, road safety, disaster management, fire safety, the clean and green Lavi campaign, plastic-free initiatives, blood donation, health check-ups, sanitation, water conservation, environmental protection, cyber security, women and child safety, traffic management and plantation.
Rampur SDM Harsh Amarendra Negi, Additional Superintendent of Police Gauravjeet Singh, DSP Siddharth Sharma, Municipal Council President Karn Sharma, Vice-President Rohit Negi, Block Congress Committee President Lal Chand Sharma, Kailash Federation Director Trilok Baluni, and other dignitaries attended the preparatory meeting.
Damini Sharma
