Piplu Fair Inaugurated in Una with Development Announcements
Public Works Department and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh inaugurated the three-day district-level Piplu Fair at the Nar Singh deity temple in Piplu village of the Kutlehar Assembly constituency on Wednesday. Kutlehar MLA Vivek Sharma was also present during the event.
Addressing the gathering, the minister announced a grant of Rs 20 lakh for strengthening the Tanoli–Balh Khalsa village link road. He emphasized that traditional fairs play a crucial role in preserving the state's rich cultural heritage, customs, and traditions while fostering social harmony and unity.
Minister Highlights Social Values and Combating Evils
“The Piplu Fair is a symbol of public faith, cultural heritage and communal harmony. Alongside development, it is equally important to strengthen social and moral values,” Singh said. He also called upon civil society to join hands in combating social evils such as drug abuse, alcoholism, and corruption.
Earlier, the minister led a colorful procession from the Bangana subdivisional headquarters to Piplu village. Upon reaching the temple, he paid obeisance to the Nar Singh deity and participated in religious rituals.
Annual Fair Attracts Devotees from Four Districts
The annual fair is organized on the occasion of Nirjala Ekadashi and attracts devotees from Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Bilaspur districts. As part of tradition, devotees participate in religious ceremonies and offer a portion of their agricultural produce to the deity.
Permanent Fairground and Healthcare Projects Underway
Kutlehar MLA Vivek Sharma said work was underway to develop a permanent fairground for the event. He stated that Rs 1 crore was being spent on the project, which would provide a dedicated venue for the annual fair. Currently, the event is held on vacant agricultural fields after the Rabi harvest.
Sharma also highlighted ongoing healthcare infrastructure projects in the constituency. He noted that Bangana Civil Hospital had been equipped with an ultrasound machine, while construction of an Out-Patient Department (OPD) block was in progress at the Thanakalan Community Health Centre.
Athlete Felicitated and Cultural Performance
On the occasion, Nikhil Kumar, a resident of Kutlehar who won a gold medal at the Indo-Nepal Athletics Championships, was felicitated for his achievement. The inaugural day's cultural program featured a performance by renowned Himachali folk singer Kaku Ram Thakur, who entertained the audience with traditional folk songs.
