Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh today inaugurated the traditional ‘Jaleb’ at historic Ridge Maidan, Shimla organised under the banner of ‘Mesmerising Mandi’, an event organised by district administration Mandi and Department of Art, Language and Culture to promote culture, customs, cuisine and traditions of district Mandi.
Chief Minister addressing on the occasion said that everyone should contribute in preservation of traditional customs. “ I have always been advocating for conservation of our ancient customs, language and culture, as our identity rests on our customs and traditions. The civilisation which fail to preserve its heritage, its language, its culture, ceases to exist with the passage of time”, he said.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the exhibition on the occasion set up by the government departments, NGOs and Self-help groups. The exhibition showcased traditional utensils, and musical instruments of times immemorial, besides local cuisines from Mandi district.
The Chief Minister said that such an event of will be organised for all the districts in a phased manner showcasing the history, traditions, customs and culture of those districts.
Earlier, he paid obeisance to Dev Mahunag, and Bala Kameshwar devta who were special invitees for the event from Mandi, popularly known as ‘Choti Kashi’
A colourful cultural presentation was also given by artistes of Mandav Kala Manch, Mandi.
Health Minister Shri Kaul Singh Thakur, Panchayati Raj Minister, Shri Anil Sharma, State Youth Congress President Shri Vikramaditya Singh, Principal Secretary, Language , Art and Culture, Smt. Anuradha Thakur, Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, Shri Sandeep Kadam, Director, Language, Art and Culture, Smt. Shashi Thakur, were present on the occasion amongst prominent citizens of Shimla and Mandi.