International Lavi Fair Hosts Literary Conference for First Time

Around 45 poets showcase the fair’s heritage, traditions and social concerns through original compositions

Shimla, November 12: The International Lavi Fair 2026 hosted a literary conference for the first time, bringing together around 45 poets who presented original compositions highlighting the fair’s history, cultural traditions and contemporary social issues.

Deputy Commissioner and Lavi Fair Committee Chairman Anupam Kashyap, who presided over the conference, honoured the participating poets with traditional Himachali caps and mufflers.

Emphasising the importance of preserving cultural heritage, Kashyap said younger generations must understand the fair’s history and the traditions associated with it. He highlighted a special exhibition showcasing items traded during the fair in earlier times, as well as a speech competition for schoolchildren on the fair’s history and evolution.

He said literature plays a vital role in preserving society’s cultural heritage and assured that literary activities would be encouraged in future to provide writers with platforms to showcase their creativity.

The poets also used their compositions to raise awareness about drug abuse, particularly the menace of *chitta*, and urged young people to stay away from drugs. Participants welcomed the initiative and thanked the fair committee and the Language and Culture Department for organising the conference.

Additional District Magistrate Pankaj Sharma, SDM Harsh Amarendra Singh, Municipal Council President Karn Sharma, Himalaya Manch President S.R. Harnot, District Language Officer Sarojana Narwal and Jagdish Bali were among those present.