Shimla, July 27: The week-long 'Minjar festival' got off to a colourful start with the traditional Shoba Yatra of Lord Raghunathji from Raghunath Temple in Akhand Chandi Palace to Chaugan at chamba. Himachal Pradesh Governor Justice (Retd) V K Kokje inaugurated the fair, popularly known as 'festival of rains'.

Speaking on the occasion, he called for preserving the rich cultural heritage of Himachal, depicting its unity in diversity and the social, cultural and religious traditions of the state. The festival, connected with worship of lands and rain, commences on the last Sunday of July and concludes on the first Sunday of August every year.

The idol of Raghunathji, the presiding deity of Chamba, is taken out in a procession in a colourfully decorated palanquin on the first day of the festival. Bureau Report