Shimla, Nov 2 (IANS): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh Sunday participated in the International Renuka Fair organised in Sirmaur district.

He laid the foundation stone for a Rs.6.50 crore lift drinking water supply scheme at Dadahu, which would benefit around 7,000 people of about 225 habitations.

Later, the chief minister paid obeisance to the principal deity Lord Parshuram and received the devtas (idols) at Dadahu and participated in the procession. He also carried palanquin of Lord Parshurama and paid obeisance at the temple of Renuka Mata and performed puja.

The chief minister said fairs and festivals were the inseparable part of the people of Himachal Pradesh, and the Renuka fair besides being historic also has a religious importance. It marks the union of Lord Parshurama with his mother Mata Renuka once in a year on the eve of 'Dashmi' and the people of the district take a holy dip in the religious Renuka Lake on 'Prabodhini Ekadashi'.

He said fairs were the integral part of our culture and customs and the state government was committed to promote them in a big way.

The chief minister extended felicitations to the people of the district for celebrating the fair enthusiastically and said such occasions led to unity and promoted brotherhood among our fellow beings.

Earlier, the chief minister was given a rousing reception with beating of drums and blowing of trumpets by the people of the area.

He also inspected the site of Renuka Dam being constructed by the HP Power Corporation Limited.

He said he was satisfied with the ongoing progress, and added that not only the power requirement of the state would be met, the state would also provide electricity to Delhi and other regions as well.

The chief minister inaugurated exhibitions set up by various government departments highlighting the development activities and presided over the Renuka Shrine Board meeting.