From the Editor’s Desk

Losing Sheen

Three hundred years old Lavi Fair is now losing its sheen as it was once an important occasion for exchange of international products. It is now lingering on with government’s patronage with shrinking trade activities even as cultural nights attract huge gathering. Traditional base of such fairs is disappearing as they act only as a stage where a large number of people gather. The government culture has overshadowed aspirations associated with such fairs. The artists are at the receiving end while the traditional culture is also changing. Lavi Fair was know for produce of farmers and horticulturists besides providing a link for the rural economy. One can’t understand the value of Lavi fair without understanding the backbone of such economy and balance maintained by this tradition. However its importance was undermined due to model code of conduct in force due to ongoing Himachal assembly elections. Electronic Voting Machines eclipsed the entertainment associated with Lavi fair. Is this fair is mere entertainment or a historic chain?   This fair is struggling for existence now as it used to fix the rates of dry fruits, woolen clothes, herbs and improved breeds of horses. Meaning of business and market have changed now. Power loom products have usurped the livelihood of handloom weavers but trade activities keep traditions attached to this fair alive. It reminds us of historic tradition of this state as it was also a matter of research for business schools when yearly products were taken to Rampur for sale. Traditional fairs are losing sheen as non Himachali artists hog the limelight during cultural evenings. Tourism and economy can provide patronage to the cultural background if trade potential and cultural diversity of all fairs held in Himachal are brought under one umbrella. Mela grounds need expansion besides strengthening infrastructure and system.

Thought of the Week

* Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.

-Buddha

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