Rampur Bushahr | By Bisheshar Negi,
In the quaint village of Nogli near Rampur in Himachal Pradesh, faith meets nature in a unique celebration — the Ashaad Fair, a centuries-old tradition observed to seek relief from scorching heat and drought. What sets this fair apart is the mystical phenomenon believed by the locals: as soon as the fair begins and the deities arrive, the clouds gather and rain begins to fall.
Led by the revered Devta Lakshmi Narayan Kumsu, the three-day district-level fair is not only a spiritual gathering but also a cultural spectacle. The divine procession begins with the deity touring the surrounding villages, and upon his return to Nogli, the skies open up in a much-awaited downpour — a pattern locals believe is no coincidence but divine intervention.
Dev Milan — The Divine Reunion
A key highlight of the fair is the Dev Milan, where deities from nearby areas gather in unison, believed to bestow collective blessings upon the region. Traditional dances (nati), folk songs, and rituals mark the celebration, drawing crowds from far and wide. People of all ages participate with immense enthusiasm, turning the serene village into a vibrant hub of cultural expression.
Voices of the Fair
Krishan Gopal, a member of the Mela Organizing Committee, shared, “The Ashaad Fair of Nogli has been celebrated for generations. Every time the deity returns from his tour, the rains follow. This tradition is deeply rooted in both faith and experience.”
Shakuntla Thakur, from the local women’s group, added, “This fair is part of our ancient legacy. When the deities arrive, the community rejoices. Songs, dances, and joy fill the air — and the rains bring relief from the dry spell.”
Happy Soni, a participant, expressed, “This year’s fair was especially grand. Women in traditional attire performed beautifully. It was a perfect blend of devotion and celebration.”
Nature’s Blessing or Divine Will?
For the locals, the beginning of the Ashaad Fair marks a guaranteed change in weather. Despite harsh dry conditions, the arrival of the deity is almost always followed by rainfall. Whether one calls it divine will or a miraculous coincidence of nature, the fair brings hope, joy, and much-needed respite to the people of the region.
Conclusion
The Ashaad Fair of Nogli is more than a religious event — it is a sacred confluence of culture, devotion, and natural harmony. With every drop of rain that follows the deity’s return, faith is renewed, fields are nourished, and hearts rejoice.
