Not to be published/broadcast  Before 7th November,2008    

          Amidst the voices of trumpets, drums, runsinghas and other traditional musical instruments, the five day long State-Level Shri Renukaji fair will commence on 8th November,08 and  conclude on 13th November,08.  Besides its holy tradition, the fair will also be an occasion of religious fervour on one hand and an opportunity for brisk trade activity on the other.

Renuka, well-connected by roads, is only 40 km. from Nahan, the headquarters of district Sirmour. The fair attracts a large crowd of pilgrims and mela enthusiasts from Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Utteranchal and Rajasthan etc.  Of all the lakes in Himachal Pradesh, Renuka is the biggest lake with 2.5 km. circumference. It is situated at a height of 672m. It is 123 km. away from Parwanoo and 60 km. from Poanta Sahib.  The sunrise and sunset make the lake charmingly beautiful with reflections of wild palm trees grown on bank sides. Boating in Renuka lake is one of the major fascination for the tourists visiting Renuka.

People look upon the lake as an embodiment of Renuka, wife of Rishi Jamdagni and mother of lord Parshuram. On one occasion, Rishi Jamdagni got annoyed with his wife. He asked Parshuram to behead Renuka.  The dutiful son could not disobey his father. The son having carried out the
order of his father could not withstand the loss of the mother. The Rishi was repentant and aggrieved over the tragic incident. The father then asked his son, to revive Renuka.  The son, who was incarnation of Lord Vishnu, took no time to accomplish the otherwise impossible task.  The legend avers that Lord Parshuram, following the incident, proceeded to Mehendra mountain for his meditation. As he promised to pay annual visit to his holy mother, the Renuka fair made an occasion to commemorate the event and has been held on over centuries.

During the Mela, idol of Lord Parshuram in the decorated palanquin is taken out in colourful procession, which starts from Jamu village and terminates at Dadahu 9 km. far.  From Dadahu, Renuka is hardly 2 km. away. The procession is also joined by local deities viz Kattaka and Masu. After getting a traditional welcome at Dadahu, the lord proceeds to his abode 'Parsuram Temple'. On Ekadashi day the lord is the guest of his mother Renuka and the next day he returns to Jamu. 

Being the weeklong fair performances by cultural troupes is also one of the major attractions.  The exhibitions put up by various departments and developmental agencies also attract the visitors.