Solan: The three day State level historical Shoolini fair which signifies our faith and devotion in local deity Maa Shoolini began today amidst much fan-fare and enthusiasm in Solan wherein hundreds of people in their traditional and colourful attires gathered at the famous Shoolini temple and participated in the auspicious shobha yatra.

The fair was inaugurated by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh who along with Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil received the palanquin of goddess Shoolini, after paying obeisance to the local deity at temple and also participated in the auspicious Shobha Yatra.

The procession was carried out through the main bazaars from the temple to enable devotees to seek blessings of the goddess with festooned tableaus taken out through the main Bazar.

Besides cultural programmes, badminton, volleyball, karate, kick boxing, tennis, table tennis, wrestling, flower show and painting competitions would be other attractions of the fair.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated tennis court of Durga Club, Solan amounting to Rs 15 lakh. He also listened to the grievances of the people at circuit house and directed the officers to redress them at the earliest.

Earlier, on reaching Solan the Chief Minister was accorded a very warm welcome by the local people along-with Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil and office bearers of the Solan district Congress committee.

Chairman APMC, Ramesh Thakur, Chairman H.P Buildings and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, Bawa Hardeep Singh, Member BoD Tourism, Surinder Sethi, Vice-Chairman Khadi Board, Ramesh Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Solan, Madan Chauhan, SP Dr. Ramesh Chhazta were also present on the occasion amongst other dignitaries.