Wow! Such a confluence of faith in the valleys of Himachal, where even the gods dance in the form of humans. Come, today I take you to that stage of my journey where I felt not just mountains and lakes, but the soul of Himachal beating. This is the story of Parashar, and the grand 2025 Saranahuli fair held there.
Prashar Rishi Lake Saranahuli Fair 2025
I reached Parashar in search of a calm, peaceful lake and the ancient temple of Rishi Parashar. But fate had something else in store. As soon as I stepped on that holy land, there was a different energy in the air. The beats of drums, the echo of Karnal and Narsinghs, and the sweet tunes of Shehnai… it seemed as if the mountains themselves had woken up and were preparing for some divine festival.
This was the occasion of the biggest folk festival of the year, Saranahuli fair. This is not an ordinary fair, but it is a festival of union of Dev and Manas. What I saw with my own eyes is difficult to describe in words, but let me try.
Prashar Lake Saranahuli Fair 2025
Gods adorned in gold and silver and dancing Devalus
Imagine, one after the other, about 25 gods and goddesses are coming seated in their palanquins. These are not ordinary idols, but living idols of faith, adorned with heavy, traditional ornaments of gold and silver. And with them are hundreds of ‘Devalus’ (devotees), who are moving towards Parashar, carrying their deity on their shoulders, dancing in devotion, shouting slogans. The enthusiasm of the Devalus of Maa Dharanagan was worth seeing. It seemed as if they were not walking, but dancing to the rhythm of faith.
The gathering of these gods from far-flung areas like Trung, Uttarshal, Badar, Snor and Saraj was an amazing sight. The entire atmosphere was filled with devotion and energy. This festival symbolizes the dedication of all these deities towards Maharshi Parashar, where the status of Maharshi is considered supreme.
Shahi Jalebh and Circumambulation of the Holy Lake
The main attraction of the fair is the Dev Karaj that takes place on the day of Ashadh Sankranti(around 14th to 16th June) . On this day, a ‘Shahi Jalebh’ (grand procession) of all the deities takes place. This is the moment when the deities, decked in gold, circumambulate the holy Parashar Lake together in their palanquins. The scene is so divine and captivating that it seems as if heaven itself has descended on earth. Devotees participate in this circumambulation, pay obeisance at the ancient temple and ask for their wishes.
Not just a fair, a celebration of Himachal’s ‘Dev Sanskriti’
The Saranahuli Fair is not just a religious event. It is a celebration of Himachal’s deep and vibrant ‘Dev Sanskriti’. Here you will get to see the famous ‘Nati’, one of the largest folk dance traditions in the world. The aroma of local cuisine and stalls of traditional handicrafts make this experience even more memorable.
When the valleys were drowned in faith and Music
Here I realized that the real beauty of Himachal lies not only in its valleys but also in the people’s attachment to their roots and traditions. This Saranahuli festival of Parashar is a unique amalgamation of faith, tradition, music and nature, which everyone must experience once in a lifetime. It was a trip that left a deep impression on my mind, a memory that will stay with me forever.
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