By IANS,
Shimla : Himachal Pradesh’s centuries-old Lavi fair, synonymous with trade in traditional items like woollens and dry fruits, will start Nov 11 in Rampur town, an official said.
“The four-day Lavi fair will begin in Rampur from Nov 11 in which tribals from Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti districts will participate too,” Deputy Commissioner (Shimla) J.S. Rana told IANS.
He said besides the fair, an exhibition of horses would also be held in Rampur Nov 4-7.
“During the exhibition of horses, the main attraction will be the sale and purchase of Chamurthi horses,” he said.
The surefooted Chamurthi is a sturdy breed native to the Spiti valley. They are in high demand in hilly terrains.
Earlier, Chamurthi horses were used to carry goods across the Himalayas from Tibet to Nepal and India.
Kinnauri shawls, handicrafts, carpets and dry fruits are major attractions at the fair.
“This year the business prospect during the fair is good as apple and other fruit crops have fetched record prices,” said Naresh Gupta, a local businessman.
The fair dates back to the 17th century when Raja Kehari Singh of Rampur Bushahr state signed a treaty to promote trade between Tibet and Bushahr.