International Shri Renuka Ji Fair 

The International Shri Renuka Ji Fair is a major annual religious and cultural festival celebrated in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh. This fair takes place along the banks of the sacred Renuka Lake near Nahan town and begins on Kartik Shukla Dashami and concludes on Kartik Poornima. 

The International Shri Renuka Ji Fair is a week-long festival celebrated every year in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh. It is held annually right after Diwali on the banks of the beautiful and sacred Renuka Lake. This fair marks the emotional reunion of Lord Parashurama and his mother, Goddess Renuka. 

Visitors and pilgrims from all over India visit here to witness local traditional rituals, colorful processions, holy baths, and so much more. Shri Renuka Ji Fair in Sirmaur is not just a religious event, but also beautifully showcases Himachali culture, mesmerizing folk music, folk dances, and local crafts. If you are planning to become a part of this amazing celebration, keep reading to learn key details of this fair. 

What is the International Shri Renuka Ji Fair?

Shri Renuka Ji International Fair is a famous cultural and religious festival celebrated every year in Sirmaur. This lively fair of Dev Bhoomi Himachal takes place in November, after Diwali, on the banks of sacred Renuka Lake. The fair is unique because it celebrates the deep love and annual reunion between Goddess Renuka and her son, Lord Parashurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. During this 6-day festival, devotees gather to watch traditional processions, pray at lakeside temples, take a dip in the holy lake water, and enjoy folk music and dance performances. 

When and Where Is Shri Renuka Ji Fair Held?

The Shri Renuka fair in Himachal Pradesh is a six-day historic event that is held annually in a lovely location in Sirmaur. It is celebrated along the banks of Renuka Lake, surrounded by forests and hills. This fair is celebrated in November, during the month of Kartik, about 10 days after Diwali. Devotees from other parts of Himachal and nearby states visit here during the fair celebrations.

Shri Renuka Ji Mela 2026 Date and Tithi

• Official Dates: November 19 to November 24, 2026
• Duration: 6 Days (traditionally celebrated across 5-6 continuous days and nights).
• Location: Banks of the Renuka Lake, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh.
• Start: Kartik Shukla Dashami or Ekadashi (November 19, 2026).
• Conclusion: Kartik Purnima (November 24, 2026).

Mythological and Historical Background of Shri Renuka Ji Fair

Shri Renuka Ji Fair is one of the most famous cultural festivals of Dev Bhoomi Himachal. Held every year shortly after Diwali, this lively fair marks the meeting of Lord Parashurama and his mother, and people from all over India gather here to witness it. 

1. Mythological Origin

According to Hindu Puranas, Mata Renuka Ji lived with her husband, Sage Jamadagni, and was the mother of Lord Parashurama, near the holy lake. Based on the mythology, a cruel king named Sahasraruna visited Sage Jamadagni’s ashram at Tape ka Tiba. The king saw the sage’s magical, wish-fulfilling cow, Kamdhenu, and demanded to take it. 

When the sage refused, the king killed him and tried to abduct Mata Renuka. To protect her honor after her husband’s death, Goddess Renuka immersed herself in the massive lake, and the lake instantly took the shape of a sleeping woman. Ever since that moment, the lake is known as Renuka Ji’s Taal and has miraculously never dried up. Devotees believe the lake water is holy, and many visit the lake to bathe in it and wash away their sins. 

2. Parashuram’s Vow

When Lord Parashurama came back and learned about the terrible tragedy. He avenged his parents by destroying Sahasrarjuna and his entire army. Lord Parashurama was deeply devoted to his mother. After his mother disappeared, he took a solemn vow that he would visit here every single year. International Shri Renuka Ji Fair honors this ancient promise, as Parashurama Ji’s palki is brought every year in a grand procession to the lakeside to meet his mother. 

3. Royal Patronage & Temple Construction

The historical importance of this holy site grew when local rulers gave their support to the shrines. They built temples dedicated to both the mother and son near the lake. This royal patronage turned a simple rural gathering into a massive and widely respected religious festival. The Sirmaur royal family continued to patronise the mela during British rule to ensure its traditions and rituals were preserved. 

4. Evolution Over Time

Over the centuries, Shri Renuka Ji International Fair has evolved from a small religious ritual into a massive cultural and commercial event. While the spiritual traditions remain untouched, the modern fair now includes vibrant cultural performances, local trade markets, and state-level exhibitions. Thousands of devotees and tourists visit Sirmaur every year to become a part of this celebration. 

Shri Renuka Ji International Fair: Schedule of the Main Days

Anyone planning to visit Sirmaur to become part of this holy international fair of Himachal Pradesh must know about the schedule of the main days. The festival starts with a grand opening procession; pilgrims take a holy bath, and visitors explore markets and stalls of local food, clothes, toys, and other items near the lake. 

Day 1: Thursday, Nov 19 (The Arrival & Shobha Yatra)

Renuka Ji Fair 2026 will start with a grand procession or Shobha Yatra on November 19. The silver palanquin (palki) of Lord Parshuram leaves his ancient temple in Jamu village and travels toward the banks of the Giri River and Renuka Lake. 

Day 2: Friday, Nov 20 (Welcoming the Deities)

Assembled palanquins of local mountain deities are formally welcomed at the fairgrounds. The traditional recitations, Vedic chanting, and regional folk dance performances begin.

Day 3: Saturday, Nov 21 (Ekadashi)

This will be the core spiritual day of the Renuka Ji Mela 2026. Lord Parashurama ritually meets his mother, Goddess Renuka. Thousands of pilgrims take a holy dip in the sacred lake to wash away sins. 

Days 4 & 5: Nov 22 – 23 (Cultural Events & Displays)

Daily evening aartis take place at Devghat along the lake. Cultural nights feature performances by popular Himachali, Sirmauri, and state-level artists. Visitors also explore exhibitions showcasing local handicrafts, food stalls serving local dishes, and enjoy watching wrestling competitions. 

Day 6: Tuesday, Nov 24 (Kartik Purnima Climax)

Renuka fair in Himachal Pradesh concludes on the auspicious full moon day of Kartik Purnima. The final holy bath takes place, and after the final evening Aarti, rituals on the lake, and institutional closing ceremonies, Lord Parshuram and other visiting deities depart back to their hill abodes. 

How to Reach Renuka Ji, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh

To reach Renuka Ji in Sirmaur, you can choose between road, rail, or air travel. It is an offbeat destination, so you have to complete the final part of the journey by road trip via taxi or local bus.

International Shri Renuka Ji Fair: Travel Tips for Visitors

If you are planning a trip to the grand Shri Renuka Ji Fair 2026, you must learn these tips. This festival attracts thousands of pilgrims, so these will help you make your trip more enjoyable. 

• Nearby Places to Visit: Beyond enjoying different experiences at the Renuka Ji Mela 2026, you can also include trips to nearby attractions, like Jaitak Fort and Nahan Royal Heritage Town. You must visit Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary right next to the lake, which also has a small mini-zoo. 

• Local Foods to Try: Make sure to try tasty local dishes, like Babru, Wild Walnut Meetha Chawal, Sirmauri Black Gram Madra, Askali, and others. During the five-day fair, you can enjoy these delicacies at fair stalls and local restaurants.

• Accommodation Options: The best place to stay is the lakefront hotel operated by HPTDC, The Renuka. But you must book your stay here at least two months in advance due to the massive festival rush. You can also book your stay at budget-friendly guesthouses or temporary riverside tented camps in Dadahu.

• Smart Packing Tips: You must pack heavy woolens, thermal innerwear, and a windproof jacket for the chilly evenings. Since you will be doing a lot of walking around the lake and temple complex, make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes with good grip.

• Lake Cleanliness Rules: Renuka Lake is a protected sacred wetland, so you must not throw plastic bottles, wrappers, or synthetic waste into the water. If you want to feed the sacred Mahseer fish, buy only the authorized natural flour balls (Atta Peda) from local temple stalls and don’t throw processed snacks.

• Walking Trail Safety: The beautiful walking path around the lake goes through a very dense forest sanctuary. You should never walk this trail alone after dark, as the surrounding wildlife area is home to leopards, wild boars, and other wild animals.

• Crowd Safety Advice: The fair gets incredibly crowded during the peak auspicious days. So, keep your valuable belongings at your hotel or guesthouse room. Don’t carry valuable jewelry. Always travel with a medical kit containing personal medicines, and keep emergency cash handy.

• Local Town Etiquette: You must dress modestly when entering the temples by covering your shoulders and knees. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local religious rituals. Make sure you respect the local deities and traditions.

Witness a Uniquely Unforgettable Union in Dev Bhoomi

The International Shri Renuka Ji Fair is a beautiful celebration of Dev Bhoomi Himachal’s rich culture, music, and traditions. The emotional reunion of Lord Parshuram and Goddess Renuka lies at this grand celebration. Visiting Sirmaur during this festival will allow you to experience the divine peace, vibrant local marketplace, and cultural shows. This is a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from busy daily life. Add this holy fair trip to your travel list to experience something truly unforgettable. 

Also Read : The International Lavi Mela 2026: Dates and Overview