Himachal Pradesh is one of the states in India where people from different communities and tribes live in harmony and enjoy good relations with the benefits of nature. Apart from its beautiful scenery, Himachal Pradesh also hosts many colorful festivals that attract tourists from all over the world.
With a variety of festivals, we have selected 16 vibrant fairs and festivals in Himachal Pradesh that showcase the deep diversity and uniqueness of its culture. An ever-changing look at tradition. Get Deco!
List of 16 Fair and Famous Festival of Himachal Pradesh
From Religious festival to celebrating festivals we have shortlisted some of the best festivals of Himachal pradesh. Check OUT.
Mandi Shivaratri Mela is usually celebrated on the 13th day of Krishna Paksha, which is the beginning of Shivaratri, a seven-day festival in Himachal Pradesh. This fair demonstrated the wealth of the gods and inspired faith. It has turned the town of Mandi into a grand event, which is why it has a special place in people's hearts. Starting from the day of Shivaratri, more than 200 deities from the Mandi region come together for this festival.
2. Nalwari Cattle Fair
Narwari Cattle Fair is held for seven days in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh. Competitions and other interesting events are among the highlights of the fair. People bring cattle from Nalagarh and other nearby parts of Punjab to be a part of the fair. The fair decision is to pay for their cattle to attract more profitable business.
3. Spring Festival
In addition to classical music, singing and dancing, many cultural events are also held during the Spring Festival. It is not only beneficial for entertainment purposes but also for business purposes. At this time of the year, people from Lahaul region begin to return to their villages and this fair gives them the opportunity to purchase products and other useful tools for their journey and home.
4. Kasol Music Festival
Kasol, a small village near Parvary valley in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, is the place where you will want to spend the whole night celebrating. Kasol is famous for its natural beauty and also for its two-day Kasol Music Festival. This popular culture event is held every year to welcome the new year and celebrate new beginnings. Everyone who loves music and art should attend this festival at least once.
5. Phulaich Festival
The entire Kinnaur is in a festive mood during the Phulaich Festival. According to the Hindu calendar, this festival is celebrated on the 16th day of the month of Bhadrapada and draws the blooms of wildflowers in the highlands. This festival has many popular names such as Ukyam Festival or Ookayand Festival. In Ookayand, two O's mean flower and Kyand means celebration. That's why it's called a proverb.
6. Himachal Hills Festival
Himachal Music Festival is the most important and popular music festival of the people of Kasol. From talented young singers and dancers to DJs, entertaining performances are a unique experience unlike any other. Party animal, it says.
This festival is unlike other fairs and festivals in India and lasts 2 to 3 days. December 30 is the beginning of welcoming the new year. Campfire with trendy music perfectly combines warmth and coolness.
7. Kullu Dussehra
Kullu Dussehra is the most famous festival of Himachal Pradesh and is celebrated with great joy and happiness in the month of October. The entire Kullu valley is in joy all week long during the Dhaulpur Maidan festival where Dussehra is celebrated for seven days.
The main attraction of Kurudushira is the colorful procession of Lord Raghunath and the Kala Kendra Festival where various events and cultural events are organized to make the evening interesting for many. It is interesting and attractive for thousands of people from all over the country to be at the Festival.
8. Losar Festival
Losar is one of the important Tibetan festivals in Himachal Pradesh and heralds the New Year and a good harvest. It takes place between late January and February according to the local Tibetan calendar. Before the birth of Buddhism, this day was called Farm Day and was celebrated when apricots were blooming on the trees. According to belief, Losar brings wealth and helps prevent evil in our lives.
Losar Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in all Tibetan towns of Himachal Pradesh, Dorje Drak Monastery in Shimla, Chulakham Monastery in McLeod Ganj, Spiti Valley Shashur Monastery and Shashur Monastery are the best religious faiths. and worth seeing.
9. Sair Festival
Every year in mid-September, the hinterlands of Shimla, Mandi, Kullu and Solan celebrate the Sai Festival of Himachal Pradesh, symbolizing the return of the celestial gods and at the end of the harvest season. Sair is also one of the unique festivals of Himachal Pradesh as it resembles the world famous Sparta Athens Bullfighting Festival. The fantastic fight of wild animals and various cultural traditions are the center of attention of the Raft Festival.
Also, a grand fair is organized during this festival in Himachal Pradesh and many stalls are opened to promote the handicrafts and food products of local artisans in the state. This is one of the most interesting festivals celebrated in Himachal Pradesh, India.
10. Doongri Festival
Doongri is very famous fair of Himachal Pradesh held every year on the auspicious day of Basant Panchami in Kullu district. The day is the birthday of Hadimba Devi, who is considered the ruler of the country. Winterfest is celebrated in mid-May because it heralds spring.
A grand procession was held and devotees from nearby areas gathered to stone the chariot. Devotees also visit the Hadimba Temple deep in the Dhungri forest to pay their respects. On this special day, locals wear traditional costumes and sing folk dances and songs, adding charm to the beautiful festival in Himachal Pradesh.
11. Halda Festival
Halda is the most popular festival of Himachal Pradesh and is celebrated by lamas on the auspicious full moon day. Halda is available in February but similar to Diwali. Like Diwali, Halda is dedicated to Shiskar Apa, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Halda originates from the Lamaist tradition and is one of the important festivals celebrated with pomp and show, especially in the Buddhist region of Lahaul and Keelung. During the two-day grand carnival, special rituals are performed to appease local gods. Local communities gather around large bonfires to prepare traditional drinks and local dishes that reflect the unity of the llama community.
12. Sazo Festival
Saso is an ancient festival in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The festival is celebrated in January and depends on the movement of the earth as per the Hindu calendar. God and Goddess are worshiped three times a day. Since people believe that it is time to leave, it is thought that it is beneficial to spend more time in worship.
Also, local people believe that bathing in Satluj river or hot springs during the festival in Himachal Pradesh will cleanse their body from sins and sins. In the evening, the gods and goddesses are taken out to say goodbye. The sazo festival ends with a beautiful performance and music. Local wine and halva are offered to the gods as an important part of the festival.
13. Pori Festival
The three-day Pori Festival is important for both Hindus and Buddhists in Himachal Pradesh. The entire Lahaul valley rejoices during Pori, which is celebrated every year in the third week of August. The Pori festival begins with prayers at the revered Triloknath temple.
Other important events of the Pori Festival are the washing and grooming of horses, lighting of butter lamps, big parades, beautiful performances of artists and the big banquet. Visitors can also taste a variety of local dishes and buy local handicrafts made by artisans at the main markets in Lahaul Valley.
14. Minjar Fair
Minjhar is celebrated on the second Sunday of the month of Shravan and is one of the most popular festivals in Himachal Pradesh, attracting a large number of pilgrims. This grand fair is held in the Chamba Valley of Himachal Pradesh to commemorate the victory of the Chamba kings over the rulers of Trigatta (now known as Kangra).
The agriculture week celebration in Himachal Pradesh began with the distribution of minjars, silk tassels worn by villagers in the state. Some of the highlights of Minjal Bazaar are the flag hoisting ceremony and cultural events such as horse-drawn carriages, parades and shows.
15. Summer Festival
Summerfest is a five-day festival celebrated annually in June, marking the beginning of the state's summer season. Summer Shimla was established as the summer capital of India in the 1960s and its name is evident from the season itself. This is one of the biggest festivals of Himachal Pradesh and has many attractions for tourists.
The festival starts with a half marathon, followed by cultural and sports events. Pink, theater, music night, ice skating event, photo event, poster competition etc. Here are some of the highlights of Shimla's summer festivals that attract tourists from all over the world.
16. Himachal Winter Carnival
Himachal Summer Carnival, held from January 2 to 6 every year, is one of the most popular events in Himachal Pradesh and attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. Also known as the Manali Winter Carnival, the festival started as a ski competition in Solangala in 1977.
After almost half a century since its inception, new techniques and practices have been added over the years for tourists to experience the culture without Remembering Himachal. Apart from the iconic ski race, people here enjoy the beauty of folk culture, street performances, hats, Himachal cuisine, local bands, sports entertainment and more.
Besides the bliss of nature, the colorful festivals of Himachal Pradesh also reveal its great beauty. Don't you agree? The picturesque Himachal Pradesh not only attracts lovers and adventure seekers but also attracts people who love diversity and culture.