India GO
Renuka Ji Fair: Parshuram's palanquin at Renuka Lake
A son's palanquin carried to meet the mother who became a lake
The Renuka Ji Fair, officially the International Shri Renuka Ji Fair, is held at Renuka Lake in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, about 37 km from Nahan. It marks the yearly reunion of the sage's wife Renuka, who in local tradition became the lake, with her son Parshuram (Parashurama). Dates: 19–24 November 2026 (expected). The fair runs from the eve of Prabodhini Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima, usually in late October or November.
The dates follow the lunar calendar; the Sirmaur district administration notifies the fair in October.
The legend
By the Puranas, Parashurama was born at Renuka lake, where the sage Jamadagni and his wife Renuka long meditated.
Local tradition says that after her husband's death Renuka entered the lake, which took a woman's shape. She vowed to meet her son each Prabodhini Ekadashi.
The fair is that meeting of mother and son. It is also a post-harvest time for neighbours to meet and trade their surplus.
Customs
Shobha Yatra
The day before, on Dashami, Parashurama's palanquin is carried to the lake from the old temple at Jamu Koti; it leaves after a holy dip in the lake.
Folk dancing
Pilgrims in bright traditional dress dance to old folk songs and lively drums.
How the fair runs
The fair lasts five to seven days; the Sirmaur district administration notifies it and publishes the programme shortly before it opens, usually in October.
- Dashami: the arrival
Parshuram's idol is carried in a palanquin from the old temple at Jamu Koti village to the lake in a procession, the Shobha Yatra. In recent programmes the Chief Minister opened the fair that evening on the Renuka stage.
- Ekadashi: the first holy bath
Before dawn on Prabodhini Ekadashi pilgrims bathe in the lake. Recent programmes have listed the bath at 4 am, and a wrestling competition later the same day.
- The middle days: evening programmes
Each evening there is a cultural programme with local artists from Sirmaur and folk singers from across Himachal; recent programmes also had guest troupes from other states. Development exhibitions run alongside.
- Kartik Purnima: the farewell
On the full moon there is a second dawn bath, and Parshuram's palanquin departs after a holy dip in the lake. In recent programmes the Governor attended the closing ceremony.
Who Renuka Ji is, and why the lake
In the Puranic story the sage Jamadagni and his wife Renuka lived and meditated at this lake, and their son Parshuram, in Hindu tradition an avatar of Vishnu, was born here. Local legend adds that after Jamadagni's death Renuka entered the water, and the lake took the shape of a woman; she promised her son to meet him once a year, on Prabodhini Ekadashi. The fair is that meeting.
Himachal Tourism stresses that it is more than a religious festival. It falls after the harvest, and villages of Sirmaur have long used it to meet, trade surplus produce and show local dress, music and dance. The state counts it among its major fairs, alongside Kullu Dussehra, Chamba's Minjar and Mandi Shivratri.
Renuka Lake beyond the fair
Renuka is the largest lake in Himachal Pradesh, at about 672 m above sea level, with a shoreline of about 3.2 km. Since 2005 it has been a Ramsar wetland of international importance, and the forest around it is the small Renuka wildlife sanctuary. The Renuka Ji temple stands on the bank. The district administration also lists a mini zoo with Himalayan black bear, spotted deer and barking deer, and says boating and fishing are allowed on the lake. During the fair the banks are taken over by stalls, stages and pilgrims, so come on another day if you want the lake itself.
How to reach Renuka Ji
By the Sirmaur district figures, Renuka Ji is about 37 km from Nahan, the district town, 60 km from Paonta Sahib and about 315 km from Delhi by road. The nearest airports are Chandigarh and Dehradun; for rail, the district names Ambala and Chandigarh (about 95 km) and Dehradun (about 105 km). From any of these you continue by taxi or bus. Nahan and Paonta Sahib, known for its Sikh gurdwara, are the natural bases.
Practical notes
- Check the programme — Exact times of the procession, baths and closing come from the district programme, not from the almanac; look for it on the Sirmaur district site.
- Dress for a temple — Shoulders and knees covered, shoes off at the shrines. See the guide on what to wear.
- Dawn baths are crowded — The Ekadashi and full-moon baths are the main moments of the fair. Follow police and volunteer directions on the banks.
FAQ
When is the Renuka Ji Fair?
Next: 19–24 November 2026 (expected). It runs from the eve of Prabodhini Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima, so the dates move each year, usually within late October to late November.
Who was Renuka Ji?
Renuka was the wife of the sage Jamadagni and the mother of Parshuram. Local tradition says she entered the lake after her husband's death and meets her son there every year, which is what the fair celebrates.
Where is Renuka Lake?
In Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh, about 37 km from Nahan and 60 km from Paonta Sahib. The nearest airports are Chandigarh and Dehradun.
Is Renuka the largest lake in Himachal Pradesh?
Yes, Renuka is described as the largest lake in the state. It is also a Ramsar wetland of international importance, listed in 2005.
What are the major fairs of Himachal Pradesh?
Himachal Tourism names the Kullu Dussehra, Chamba's Minjar, the Renuka Ji Fair and the Mandi Shivratri among the religious fairs that have grown most prominent.
Sources (6)
Facts checked: 22 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.