Urmila Singh Governor said that fairs and festivals were symbols of rich cultural heritage of the State and should be preserved at all cost. She said that glimpse of rich traditions could be witnessed in such festivals, which also go a long way in strengthening bonds of brotherhood and unity. Celebrating these festivals make the young generation aware of our glorious culture, she added.Governor was addressing the concluding ceremony of the week-long International Shivratri Fair at Mandi today.She said that youth of our country were progressing ahead in all fields and were modern in all respects, however there was a need to maintain harmony between modernity and our old traditions which were the backbone of our distinct culture.Smt Singh said that Himachal Pradesh was known across the country as the abode of Lord Shiva and also for its rich Dev Sanskriti and added that this unique tradition was witnessed only in the fairs of Himachal Pradesh.
She said that it was essential to make young generation familiar about these customs and traditions so that they could remain alive in future also. She said that young people should participate in these events actively so that they can carry forward these traditions in future.She said that the people of the state were simple hardworking and religious. Local deities, gods and goddesses were integral part of their lives and their profound faith in them reflected in these festivals, she added. She also appreciated the efforts of Shivratri Festival Organising Committee in inviting local deities to the festival. Earlier, Smt. Singh paid obeisance at the Madhorai Temple and participated in the Jaleb Shobha Yatra. Governor also gave away prizes to the winners of various events organized during the week-long fair.Sh Devesh Kumar Deputy Commissioner welcomed the Governor.Shri Onkar Sharma, pisional Commissioner, senior officers of the State Government and prominent persons were present on the occasion.