The three-day spring festival, locally known as Pipal Jatar, commenced on Tuesday with traditional religious ceremonies at Dhalpur. However, the organisers stated that the popular Spring Queen beauty pageant would not be held this year.
Officials said that the pageant, one of the festival's main attractions, has been cancelled due to the absence of a governing body and the imposition of the model code of conduct for the municipal elections. The entire event is being organised by officials of the Kullu Municipal Council (MC).
The festival opened with rituals welcoming Gouhri Devta. The deity will stay in a temporary camp temple at the exhibition ground for the duration of the festival.
Municipal Council Executive Officer BR Negi said no organisation had come forward to conduct the beauty pageant. "There has been no initiative for its conduct this time. Therefore, it will not be possible to conduct the Spring Queen competition," he said.
Despite the cancellation, cultural programmes will be held at the open-air Kala Kendra auditorium, where folk artistes from the district will perform on three evenings. Thakur Dass Rathi will headline the opening night, followed by Kushal Verma on the second evening. Folk singer Gopal Sharma, known for his hit Ujhi ra Khapra, will also perform, while local singer Ramesh will be the star attraction on the final evening.
A trade fair, running until May 15, has drawn vendors from within and outside the state, offering clothing, utensils, footwear, handloom products and local delicacies. Amusement rides, including merry-go-rounds and swings, have also been set up at the fair ground.
The Pipal Jatar fair dates back to the 15th century, when it was known as Rai ri Jaach (Fair of the King). Historically, more than 16 local deities participated, and the rulers of Kullu used the occasion to hear public grievances while enjoying folk music and dance.