Lavi Fair

Introduction:

The Lavi fair is held in Rampur, Himachal Pradesh. Lavi fair largely popular for the trade and exhibition of special goods and products is held in great esteem and is celebrated with much fanfare. Rampur accompanied by river Satluj has been a major trading route for India. The town has maintained this age-old tradition and has been hosting the International Lavi Fair for more than 300 years.

Years back, Rampur was the entering gate to routes towards Kinnaur, Tibet, Ladakh and Afghanistan. Even till date, many goods like wool, dry fruits and other products are bought and sold through this trading destination. After the trade came to a standstill few years back, it lost its glory which was again restored after the Lavi fair started here.

The status of Lavi fair has reached to an international level and numerous efforts are made by government to restore the popularity and status of lavi fair. Over the past few years, the government is making efforts to modernize the activities at fair. Many traders from all parts of country come here during the month of November to lure customers and popularize their art and craft.

Historical traces:

Although a talk of past now, earlier some famous Chinese goods were also bought in here to be sold for example jackets, crockery etc.

Lavi fair is also mentioned in the history of erstwhile Bushair State. According to some historical evidences, a trade treaty was signed between the Bushair state and Tibet, during the reign of Raja Kesar Singh. Swords and horses were also exchanged between the two as a mark of friendship. At that time the trade relationship was very strong and it was promised that the relation would remain so for ages. But, after the occupation of Tibet by China, all trade between the two came to a standstill.

Celebrations:

Lavi fair attracts large number of people every year during the month of November. Numbers of shops are established and goods are sold.

There is an age old tradition of churning the water of River Satluj before the commencement of Fair. Any act of barter, exchange, selling is preceded only after the water is properly churned.

A lot of trading activity is carried on. However there are several customs that are followed to this day before the commencement of the business.

One the major attraction of the fair is the display and sale of wide variety of native products. Himachal Pradesh is famous for its “Pashmina” wool, some kinds of Dry fruits and other agricultural products. Also, not to forget surefooted 'Chaumkhi' horses, especially found in the nearby tribal areas are bought in here at the fair to be sold.

Apart from the Horses, woolen pattoos, kala zira and dry fruits are also brought and sold in the Lavi Fair at Himachal Pradesh. The Lavi Fair in Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its excellence in bringing to the forefront the ancient Indian Culture.

Time of celebration:

The Lavi fair celebrated in Rampur, Himachal Pradesh is held every year in the month of November. Number of tourists and traders gather here during the time. This year the Lavi fair is to be organised between 11th to 14th November.