Mela Anokhi Dali on Nov 24 & 25 November

A traditional archery sport fair, Anokhi Dali Ka Mela to be held on November 24 and 24 at Haltikihati near Jubbarhatti near Shimla Airport with traditional fervor and gaiety. This fair was part of  himalayahistory of Mahasu now Shimla district  Member of Mela Committee Anokhi Dali, Ramgopal Thakur said that the fair being organizing a traditional festival for nearly two centuries to spread the message of environment conservation and to promote traditional and cultural values. Anokhi Dali is the name of a special type of tree growing in this area. This tree is of olive species and is found in large numbers in this region. The leaves of this tree remain green throughout the year. This tree is full of medicinal properties and its wood is very strong and heavy. The people of this region consider the sticks of this tree to be very lucky, and because of being a strange plant, it must have been named Anokhi Dali. Before the construction of the airport, there used to be a huge unique branch tree at this place. This fair is also religiously organised to apease the Lord Narsingh ( incarnation of Lord Vishnu) as Lionman God.

The ancient culture heritage has been preserved since last 120yrs, the Mela Committee said. It is also famous for traditional archery sport (Thoda ) being played by locals at Naukhi Daali ground now submerged in the Shimla Airport.  “Anokhi Daali Ka Mela” since time immemorial have a means of meeting, entertainment and business. In the festival local folks get all articles like earthenware and pots at their doorstep, especially for those men and women who cannot go to the side because of their busyness in household chores.  This fair gives the message of love and brotherhood by suppressing the mental frustration of the people and works to connect us with our cultural background.  This fair also provides a proper platform to the local artists, players to showcase and develop their talent.  The two-day fair is organized at the place of Shimla Airport Jubbarhati, exactly one month after Diwali, on the day of Padwa and Duj.  After the airport was built at this place, now it is being organized at another place near it.  Fair Anokhi Dali is the ancient cultural heritage of this area and in this fair ancient Thoda dance, Kabbadi and volleyball competitions, cultural program and agriculture exhibition are organized.  This fair is especially famous for pottery and people come from far and wide to buy pottery which is becoming extinct.