Shimla, Feb 19,
Dashalu fair, an integral part of the revered Jukaru festival, holds profound significance in the hearts of the inhabitants of Pangi Valley, nestled within the tribal expanse of Chamba district. This sacred occasion, observed on the 10th day of the 12-day Jukaru festivities, reverberates with spiritual fervor and communal joy across the region.
The history of Dashalu fair traces back to ancient customs and traditions, steeped in the rich tapestry of local folklore. Villagers adorn their houses with auspicious red clay, symbolizing the sanctity, before offering prayers to their clan goddesses in adorned temples. Amidst the rhythmic beats of drums and the resonant echoes of chants, a vibrant fair unfolds within sacred pandals, uniting the community in shared devotion and celebration.
Central to the essence of Dashalu fair is the revered Mindhal Mata temple, where divine miracles are believed to manifest on this auspicious day. On the day of Dasalu fair, Maa Mindhal Vasni Thathadi (disciple) opens the door of the temple with a snow ball —a symbolic act encapsulating the spiritual resilience of the faithful amidst the blanket of snow enveloping Pangi Valley.
On the day of this Dasalu fair of Mindhal village, the main members of the house and the villagers together reach Mena Pandal with sacred flowers (zebra) in their hands. The pinnacle of the festivities culminates in the procession to Mena Pandal, where prayers for universal welfare resound in unison.
 The traditional ritual of collecting the sacred needle, once accompanied by sacrificial offerings, now sees devotees presenting coconut and other symbolic items, honoring governmental directives while preserving the essence of tradition.
The most interesting thing is that on the day of this fair, the main Thathadi (disciple) of Mindhal Mata reaches Mindhal village after walking about 27 kilometers in the morning.
The main reason for this is that the main disciple of Mindhal Mata i.e. Kartar Singh, resident of Thamoh of Thathadi Kilar, who after offering puja at his home on the day of celebrating Nawalu and Dashalu, has to reach Mindhal Temple after wearing Chunni and Chonu of Mindhal Mata Temple.
Beyond its ceremonial grandeur, Dashalu fair serves as a beacon of communal harmony and spiritual devotion, drawing pilgrims from diverse panchayats to partake in its sanctified rituals and experience the transcendent allure of tradition. As the snow-capped mountains bear witness to this annual testament of faith, Dashalu fair stands as a timeless testament to the enduring bond between the divine and the devout in the sacred realm of Pangi Valley.
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