The three-day Shoolini fair 2011 started amidst great fervor and zeal today in the historic Thodo Ground of Solan. The Festival started with colorful Shobha Yatra of Goddess Shoolini, taken out from the temple. Many prominent people, were present to seek the blessings of the presiding deity Shoolini Mata.
The Shoolini fair was started hundreds of years ago to encourage and preserve the culture of the region.
Health and Ayurveda Minister Dr Rajeev Bindal, and other dignitary obeisance at the temple. Thousands of devotees thronged the temple early in the morning. After the Yajna, a procession was taken out from the temple to the DC Office Chowk. People from Solan, Shimla, Sirmour, Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana joined in the festivities.
Cultural nights would be organized during the fair, where prominent artists would perform. Events like Thoda, traditional Himachali archery; wrestling and exhibitions would be other attractions of the fair, which will conclude on Sunday. Here are some photographs of Beautiful Jhankies on Day Ist of the fair: