Shoolini Mela: A Celebration of Culture and Spirituality in Solan town of Himachal Pradesh (Photographs by Shailesh Sharma)

Solan, a small town in Himachal Pradesh, India, is home to one of the most vibrant and colorful festivals in the region - the Shoolini Mela. This annual festival is a celebration of the town's patron goddess, Shoolini, and is a time for the community to come together and celebrate their culture and spirituality.

The Shoolini Mela is celebrated every year in the last weekend of June. The Mela starts with the head of the royal family offering prayers and a hawan is organised at the Shoolini Mata temple. After that Shoolini Mata, the local deity is placed on a palanquin and the first place it visits is the Purani kachahari area where the chief guest, normally the Chief minister of the state welcomes the palanquin. After this the palanquin moves from the bazar till the old DC office, and then to Shoolini Mata's sister, who stays in a temple in town ( which has been recently renovated)). On Friday and Saturday, Shoolini Mata will stay with her sister, and will go back to her abode on Sunday night. During this weekend, cultural programmes are held, many different competitions are also held, like flower show, baby show, dog show, lawn tennis, chess, shooting, thodo and many more compilations, and above all the Kushti, which has been a tradition and wrestlers from all over India come and participate. The bazar is lit up with fancy lights. A lot of stalls come up selling novelty items. There used to be a lot of food stalls to, but lately free langars are organised all over the town, and a lot of people have their meals there. The longest lines are observed in the icecream and cold drinks stalls. People in their best clothes come from all the  neighbouring village to celebrate the mela.

The Shoolini Mela is celebrated in the month of June and is a week-long festival that begins with a colorful procession through the town's streets. The procession is led by a group of local men dressed in traditional attire and carrying wooden sticks, known as 'shoolas'. The shoolas are a symbol of the goddess Shoolini, who is believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits.

The festival is known for its vibrant cultural performances, which include traditional dances such as the Nati, Chhambha, and Karyala. Local artists and musicians also showcase their talents at the festival, performing folk songs and playing traditional instruments such as the dhol and nagara.

One of the highlights of the Shoolini Mela is the bazaar, where traders from all over the region come to sell their wares. The bazaar is a colorful and lively marketplace, where visitors can find everything from spices and handicrafts to jewelry and clothing.

Another important aspect of the festival is the spiritual significance of the goddess Shoolini. Devotees come from all over the region to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of the goddess. The festival is also a time for the community to come together and offer their thanks to the goddess for her blessings and protection.

The Shoolini Mela is an important part of the cultural heritage of Solan and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian festivals and cultural traditions. It is a celebration of the town's vibrant culture and spirituality and is a testament to the enduring traditions and values of the region.

Kushti, also known as Indian wrestling, is a traditional sport that is an integral part of the Shoolini Mela in Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The sport has a long and rich history in India and is believed to have been practiced since ancient times.

During the Shoolini Mela, kushti matches are held in a dedicated arena, where wrestlers from all over the region come to showcase their skills. The wrestlers, or pehlwans, wear a traditional outfit known as a langot, and compete in matches that are divided into rounds.

The matches are intense and physical, with wrestlers using a variety of techniques and moves to try and pin their opponent's shoulders to the ground. The matches are accompanied by traditional music and the cheering of the crowd, creating a lively and exciting atmosphere.

Kushti is not just a sport, but also a way of life for many wrestlers. It requires discipline, dedication, and a strict training regimen, which includes a special diet and daily practice of asanas and other exercises. Wrestlers are also required to follow a strict code of conduct, which includes refraining from smoking, drinking, and other vices.

Kushti has a special significance in the Shoolini Mela, where it is seen as a celebration of the town's rich cultural heritage. The sport is a testament to the enduring traditions and values of the region, and is a proud symbol of the strength and resilience of the people of Solan.

In recent years, kushti has gained popularity in other parts of India and around the world, with international tournaments and competitions being held. But for the people of Solan, kushti remains an important part of their cultural identity and a cherished tradition that they hope to pass on to future generations.