The famous “International Lavi fair”

The famous “International Lavi fair”. It is the biggest trade fair of the greater Himalayas, which is held at Rampur Bushahr is one of the unique examples of the glorious, social, cultural, economic history and legacy of Himachal Pradesh., about 130 kms from Shimla from 11th to 14th November every year. Rampur Bushahr is also know as the gateway of tribal District “Kinnaur”. Kinnaur is situated on the left bank of river Satluj. Rampur Bushahr is one of the oldest town on Hindustan Tibet road.

Its old religious shrines include the “Raghunath temple”, the “Ayudhya temple”, the “Narasingh temple”, “Dumgir Bodh temple” and “Padam palace”, an interesting mix colonial and traditional style are the major attraction. places of tourists interest.

The fair is linked to the historic agreement between “Bushahr State” and “Tibet concluded” during the rule of “Raja Kehri Singh” (1636-96 AD). The treaty not only resulted in the deeper friendship between Bushahr and Tibet but also increased trade between the two states.

Lavi fair have a social and cultural impact also. It is an occasion, which provide irresistible opportunities to the rural people to strengthen the cultural and social bonds. During the four-day festivity, thousand of people from the villages throng Rampur and the town turned into a sea of people. People of the area they continue to believe resolutely in strong social bonding which is the hallmark of the rich cultural traditions of the State.

During the four days hectic business activities raw and semi finished wool, hand weaven pattis, namdas, pashmina wool, dry fruits like almond, Chilgoza, Apricot, Chaumurthy and Gunth breeds of horses and yalks worth over several crores of rupees change hands. Buyers from all over the country flock to Rampur Bushahr to purchase wool, pashmina and chilgoza, which have a ready market even in foreign countries. Lakhs of rural folk from Kinnaur, Lahaul Spiti, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts besides traders from northern Indian plains and lower hills bring general merchandise to have a quick trade before the start of winter.

Special “Kinnauri market” is the main attraction of the fair. The traders from Kinnaur came to the fair along with their families and stay in the mela ground. The Tibetian goods used to be bartered in the fair with the local products like chilgoza, almonds, chuli, , shilajit and kuth etc. Recently, however, due to easier communication facilities and consumeralization, machine manufactured goods and products have also become added attraction of the fair.

Rampur Bushahr is important commercial centre. During the last three decades, this fair has also gained cultural significance. After the days hectic trade activities the town and night witnesses’ special culutral programmes. This fair also provides a special opportunity to the people of the area to purchase essential items before the start of hard winter months and take back the memories of deep-rooted cultural with them.

Even today, the olden tradition is as vibrant as ever. It also provides a platform to the government departments, agencies and private organisations to put up exhibitions. Social, cultural and economic aspects play a significant role in shaping the progress of a region and the society. “Lavi fair” is an amalgamation of all these aspects. With the culmination of four days extravaganza, the people return with sweet memories to meet again next year on the occasion of Fag mela to be celebrated after Holi fastivel.