The Himalayas Revive Centuries-Old Trade Fair

While national and regional borders, permits and passport clearances cut through the majestic Himalayas today, this wasn’t quite the case through most of history. Local mountain tribes had easy access to each other’s settlements without any such issues. Trade on the Silk Route, that connected China with south and west Asia, was one such popular highway.

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Rampur, a town on the banks of the Sutlej in Himachal Pradesh, is located on this ancient link. If you’ve travelled deep into the state’s tribal belt or up to Kinnaur from Shimla, you’ve probably passed it. For over 300 years, the region hosted an event for tradespeople from across the mountain passes. This was known as the Lavi Fair. Unfortunately, after the occupation of Tibet, participation dwindled. But the state government in Himachal recently reinstated the practice, even earning it the stamp of an international fair. Now, the fair takes place in the month of November, restoring a centuries’ old tradition.

Shopping at the Lavi Fair

Farmers and cottage industries from the recesses of Kashmir, Himachal and other mountainous cultures get together to sell spices, gems, handicrafts, condiments, herbs and textiles. Some of these people live in areas that are cut off from civilization for months, and must earn a livelihood from trading before they’re snow-bound again. For tourists who travel to the fair, not only is this an opportunity to bag rare finds, it’s also a chance to interact with people from distant cultures.

Things you can hope to buy at the fair include swords, knives, utensils, pure wool, shawls, dry fruits, gemstones from the Ladakh region, Yak’s cheese, lentils, black cumin, medicinal herbs…livestock and even Chaumkhi horses, relied upon for their sure-footedness, are brought here in great numbers for trade. Previously transporting Chinese goods by land was common practice. Crockery, clothing and articles of daily use were also quite popular. Today, these items from across the Sino-Indian border are officially unavailable. However, there is always the odd Himachali in Kullu who swears he bought a Chinese tea-flask from a genuine China-man at the fair! Who knows what your luck at the Lavi has in store?

Cultural Highlights

Along with all the trade and business activities, the fair also hosts a number of cultural events. Folk dances, music performances, recitals and theatre of the tribes keep participants and tourists entertained. A number of ancient and varied rituals precede the day’s selling. Bonfires during chilly evenings are accompanied with food and interactions with the cross-section of people who come to the fair.

Getting into Rampur

Rampur is nestled in a valley between Shimla and Kinnaur districts of Himachal Pradesh. It would be a good idea to combine the Lavi Fair with an excursion of adjoining locales. Rampur is a scenic six hour drive away from Shimla – the nearest railhead and airport. You could even choose to carry on to Kinnaur and take the long road home via Kaza and Manali. Plan your holiday, check out some great Himachal tour packages and hotels in Rampur on MakeMyTrip.