Saranahuli Mela Set to Enchant Visitors at Parashar Lake

The Saranahuli Mela at Parashar Lake, scheduled for June 13-14, promises to be a grand celebration of culture and spirituality. Nestled in the Utrasaal mountain range, this annual fair attracts thousands of devotees and tourists. With improved access routes and a rich historical backdrop, attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with traditional performances, prayers, and local delicacies. Organizers emphasize the importance of maintaining the site's cleanliness and sanctity, ensuring a respectful experience for all. Discover the enchanting blend of nature, devotion, and culture at this remarkable event.
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Saranahuli Mela Set to Enchant Visitors at Parashar Lake

Overview of the Saranahuli Mela

Munish Sood
MANDI: Parashar Lake, a stunning and sacred site located in the Utrasaal mountain range of Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 9,000 feet, is gearing up for the Saranahuli Mela on June 13 and 14. This annual cultural and religious fair, deeply embedded in local traditions, draws thousands of devotees and tourists from across the state and beyond.


Preparations Underway

Temple committee president Balbir Singh Thakur and head priest Amar Chand Thakur shared that preparations for the event are in full swing. Improved road access has been established from various directions, including routes from Mandi via Kataula Bagi, Hanogi through Bandhi, Bajoura via Kandha, and from Prem Nagar-Jwalapur and Mata Tunga Bhagwati from Panharsa, enhancing accessibility to this beautiful destination.


Historical Significance of Parashar Lake


Parashar Lake is not only a natural wonder but also a site of deep spiritual importance, believed to be where Rishi Parashar, the grandson of Sage Vashistha, meditated. The lake features a remarkable three-storied pagoda-style temple, constructed in the 13th century by King Ban Sen of Mandi, which stands as a testament to the region's rich heritage. The lake is also famous for its floating island, adding to its mystical charm.


Cultural Celebration

The Saranahuli Mela transcends a typical fair; it is a vibrant celebration of Himachal’s Dev Sanskriti (divine culture). During this two-day event, over thirty deities from nearby villages such as Utrasaal, Badar, Snor, and Ropa Chohatigadh are ceremoniously brought to the temple, creating a grand Dev Samagam. The event is accompanied by traditional folk music and chanting, showcasing the region's rich faith and customs.


Devotees engage in the parikrama (circumambulation) of the sacred lake, offer prayers at the ancient temple, and enjoy folk performances, including the renowned ‘Nati’ dance, recognized as the largest folk dance tradition globally. Stalls featuring local delicacies and traditional crafts further enhance the cultural experience.


Call for Cleanliness and Respect

Organizers have urged all attendees to uphold the cleanliness and sanctity of the site. They have requested that visitors refrain from littering the lush meadows and responsibly dispose of waste. The consumption of alcohol and the sale or use of non-vegetarian food, including eggs and poultry, is strictly forbidden in the temple area and its surroundings.


Additionally, temple authorities have called on local administration to oversee tourist and pilgrim activities, ensuring strict action against anyone disrupting the ecological or spiritual integrity of Parashar, a site recognized for its national and international significance.


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