Lakhs of pilgrims visit the fair at Renuka, which is a picturesque place and has a lake also with the same name. Around 10 lakh pilgrims visit the numerous temples including that of Goddess Renuka and her son Parshuram during the fair. Legend has it that a cruel king Shahastrarjun, who ruled a kingdom on the banks of river Narmada, once visited the ashram of Maharishi Yamadgini and his wife Renuka (the couple had a son named Parshuram). Shahastrarjun took a liking to their cow Kamdhenu and demanded it. When the sage refused to part with the cow, the king killed him, to save her honour Renuka jumped from a hill. It is said the spot where she died turned into a lake. Later, Parshuram killed Shahastrarjun.

According to another legend, Renuka had gone to fetch water from the river and some sages demanded water from her. She was delayed and by the time she got back to the ashram it was late. Maharishi Yamadgini cast aspersions on her character and ordered his 100 sons to kill their mother. Ninety nine of the sons refused to obey the orders but for Parshuram. He killed her but only after extracting a promise of fulfillment of a wish from his father. After killing his mother, Parsuram asked Maharishi Yamadgini to bring Renuka back to life. After she was brought back to life, Renuka, who could not tolerate the charges levied by her husband, jumped from the hill top. The lake is said to be the place where she fell. If viewed from the hill top the lake is shaped like a sleeping lady.

It is believed that Parshuram comes to visit his mother Renuka for one and a half days between dashmi and ekadshi every year. The people of the area bring idols of Parshuram in a procession on dashmi from the nearby Jammu village, which are received by the chief guest and are then taken to the lake. After giving a bath to the idol the palanquins are brought to the a Parshuram temple. The next morning the pilgrims take a dip in the Renuka lake.

During the fair various government departments put up an exhibition. The traders from the adjoining states do brisk business during the fair. Local products are also put up for sale.

Artistes from HP, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir entertain the pilgrims. An open air stage has been built near the Parshuram Tal by the Renuka Development Board.

Surrounded by pine forest, this place attracts thousand of tourists during summer. Birds of different species such as the parakeet, woodpecker, kingfisher and red fowl nest around the lake. Sambhar and the spotted deer are also found in the sanctuary. The lion safari is a big draw and the majestic Asian lions are the main attraction. The lake, which is spread over an area of 20 hectares, homes many varieties of fish. Hunting is banned in the area.

But this lake, like many other places, is a picture of official neglect and government apathy. The famous Renuka Lake is drying up fast due to unchecked growth of weeds, which has already spread over one-fifth of it's area. Many volunteer organisations including the NCC, NSS, women clubs and school children have taken up the task to clear the weeds in the past but with little success.

The accumulation of silt is another problem which needs expert handling. The National Wetland Board was asked to assist in the clearance of silt and the Ministry of Environment was approached for a survey of the lake but so far the Union government has shown no interest in the direction. Removal of silt and weeds would not take much time but efforts have to be made at the highest levels to get the work done.

The fair will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal on October 30 and Governor V.S. Rama Devi will presided over the closing ceremony on November 4.