SHIMLA: The biggest, well-known and most ancient trade fair of the greater Himalayas, the Lavi of Rampur Bushahar in Himachal Pradesh once again successfully ended here today. This international trade fair is held every year in the month of November at Rampur, about 130 kms uphill from the state capital.

Rampur Bushahar, which is popularly known as the gateway to the tribal District of Kinnaur, is situated on the left bank of river Sutlej and is one of the oldest towns on Hindustan-Tibet road. In every season thousands of tourists, pilgrims and nature lovers visit the area. Its old religious shrines include Raghunath temple, Ayodhya temple, Narasingh temple and Dumgir Bodh temple. Among other religious tourist destinations about 45 kilometers from Rampur, a hill station called Sarahan is known for its ancient Bhima Kali temple. Rampur Bushahar was once a major trading centre on the old silk route of Kinnaur, Tibet, Laddakh and Afghanistan. Though the fair is being held on an organised basis for the last 300 years, its origin is stated to be much older. The fair is linked to the historic treaty between Bushahar State and Tibet during the rule of Raja Kehri Singh (1636-96 AD). The treaty not only resulted in friendship between Bushahar and Tibet but also increased trade between the two states. The Lavi fair is, thus, believed to have started as a memorial to the treaty in 1681.

During the four days, deals worth several crores of rupees were finalised in raw and semi finished wool, hand weaved pattis, namdas, pashmina wool, dry fruits like almond, chilgoza, apricot, Chaumurthy and Gunth breeds of horses and Yaks. Buyers from all over the country flock to Rampur Bushahar to purchase wool, pashmina and chilgoza, which have a ready market even in foreign countries. Rural folk from Kinnaur, Lahaul Spiti, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts besides traders from northern Indian plains and lower hills bring general merchandise and have a brisk trade before the onset of winter.

A special small Kinnauri market is the main attraction of the fair. Traders from Kinnaur come with their families and stay in the ground itself. The Tibetan goods used to be bartered in the fair with the local products.

Lavi fair has an immense social and cultural impact also. It is an occasion which provides opportunities to rural people to strengthen cultural and social bonds.

During the last three decades, this fair has also gained cultural significance. After the day's trade activities, special cultural programmes are held in the evenings.

The fair also provides an opportunity to people of the area to purchase essential items before the onset of hard winters.

With the culmination of four days' extravaganza, the hill people return to meet again next year on the occasion of "Fag Mela" in April.

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