PRAGPUR, APRIL 13 — Thousands of devotees arrived at the historic Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple on Monday to celebrate the peak of the state-level Baisakhi fair. Despite cooler weather reducing participation in the traditional holy dip in the Beas River, the temple complex in Kangra district remained a hub of religious activity and cultural performance.
The festivities were officially opened by Jwalamukhi MLA Sanjay Rattan, who presided over the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest. Officials stated that the event is designed to blend spiritual reverence with local heritage, featuring a lineup of regional and national performers over the three-day schedule.
“The Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple remains the spiritual focal point of the fair,” noted an official from the organizing committee. Devotees maintained long queues from the early morning hours to offer prayers at the ancient shrine, where the sacred shivlinga remains partially submerged underground.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kulwant Singh Potan affirmed that the fair offers a wide range of attractions, including regional food courts and amusement rides. He maintained that the enduring legacy of the Katoch rulers in preserving the shrine is reflected in the scale of this year’s Baisakhi celebrations.
The cultural program featured singer Tanmay Chaturvedi on the opening day. Celebrations are slated to continue Tuesday with a performance by ‘Nati King’ Kuldeep Sharma, followed by a closing performance by Mamta Bharadwaj on April 15.
