PRAGPUR, APRIL 13 — The banks of the Beas River turned into a center of cultural vibrancy on Monday as the historic Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple hosted the annual Baisakhi fair. While the usual crowds for the river dip near Dehra were smaller due to the dip in temperature, the temple itself witnessed an overwhelming turnout of visitors seeking blessings.
The three-day state-level event was inaugurated by MLA Sanjay Rattan, marking the start of a series of high-profile guest appearances. Dehra MLA Kamlesh Thakur is scheduled to attend the second day of the festivities, where folk singer Kuldeep Sharma will make his debut appearance at the fair.
“Devotees began queuing outside the ancient shrine in the morning to offer prayers to Lord Shiva,” stated an administrative spokesperson. The site, also known as Kalesar, is revered for its unique underground shivlinga and its historical association with the Pandavas at the nearby Panchthirth site.
SDM Kulwant Singh Potan declared that the administration has ensured a family-oriented environment with various activities and traditional delicacies. He affirmed that the fair serves as an important platform for local artists and a vital gathering point for the community during the harvest festival.
The event will conclude on April 15 with MLA Vivek Sharma attending as the chief guest. Security and crowd management teams maintained a steady vigil at the shrine to accommodate the influx of worshippers throughout the day.
