Mann ki Baat: PM calls fairs, a great source of energy for society

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the traditional ‘fairs’ being organized in different states were a great source of energy for society.
“Fairs are, in themselves, a great source of energy for our society and life. In modern times, these old links of the society are very important to strengthen the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat- Shreshtha Bharat’,” Modi said in his monthly radio program, ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
Highlighting the traditional fairs in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat, the PM said, “There are many traditional fairs of tribal societies in different states in our country. Some of these Fairs are associated with tribal culture, while some are organized in connection with tribal history and heritage.”
Mentioning about the four-day Samakka-Saralamma Jatara fair in Telangana’s Medaram, Modi said, “This fair is called Mahakumbh of Telangana. The Saralamma Jatara mela is celebrated in honors of two tribal women heroes – Samakka and Saralamma. It is a big center of faith for the Koya tribal community, not only in Telangana, but also in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.”
Similarly, many fairs like Tarnetar and Madhopur are very famous in Gujarat, he added.
As per the Prime Minister, “Our youth must join them and whenever you go to such fairs, share the pictures on social media too. They can also use a specific hashtag. Through this other people will also know about those fairs. They can also upload photos on the website of the Ministry of Culture.
“In the next few days, the Culture Ministry is going to start a competition, wherein those who send the best pictures of the fairs, will also be rewarded. So do not delay, visit the fairs, share their pictures, and maybe you will get rewarded too,” he added. (UNI)