Himachal Pradesh
A combination of plenitude and antiquity, Himachal Pradesh, is a land of many festivals. Majority of the festivals here shares a close connection with the different seasonal changes that takes place within the state. Each of the districts takes part and celebrates the plethora of distinct and gorgeous festivals in their own individual way. They also carry with them a sociological and historical significance. Festivals in Himachal Pradesh in the truest sense is “Himachal Culture Glorified”!
The festivals in Himachal Pradesh not only enliven your spirit but also would also provide you with a break through from the daily hustle and bustle. The festivals mean unparalleled enthusiasm coupled with fun. It’s all about joyous ceremonies and fun filled celebrations. One of the most important aspect of these festivals is the fact that this is the perfect time when people irrespective of poor and rich, join together to boost up their festive spirits. Some festivals in Himachal Pradesh are also associated with the seasonal changes in the region, life style of the people residing there and the harvest season. Whatever be the festival, the people in the beautiful hill state of Himachal Pradesh make for uncontrolled merrymaking at the festivals.
Festivals are the ideal time to come down to Himachal Pradesh, when the colors of festivals and fairs wrap the whole of Himachal Pradesh in its arms. Every month almost witnesses certain festivals to celebrate.
Get ready for a festival tour in Himachal Pradesh to experience the cultural holiday amidst the captivating mountains or the snow fled rivers, that would surely gratify the old customs and traditions of the region.
Halda Festival – Grand Welcome to a Prosperous New Year
The 1st festival to be celebrated in Himachal Pradesh festival, Halda Festival is celebrated in January. This Buddhist fiesta happens to be a private event in Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh. In this festival you will be stunned to see how people carrying cedar twigs moves to a particular location that has been chosen by the Lama. Once everybody gathers at the location, the cedar twigs are thrown in the bonfire that is put up. People also engage in various kinds of dancing and merry making activities, on the occasion of this Halda Festival in Himachal Pradesh.
Lohri or Maghi – Togetherness of Fair and Festival
The end of the Halda Festival marks the beginning of the Lohri Festival in the middle of January. An agricultural festival, Lohri happens to be very famous in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The folk dance and songs, which take place during this festival, are very popular among the people. On the occasion of this festival, a beautiful grand fair is organized in the region. The festival is a platform to come out of the monotony of daily life and unwind amidst the outbursts of Joy.
Himachal Winter Carnival- Enjoy the Snow
Himachal Winter Carnival that takes place in the month of February is something that you should not miss! It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy to the fullest. Manali hosts this festival. Various events and competitions like ‘winter queen’ and winter sports etc are organized. Be a part of these Himachal Carnival to experience the resplendent joy.
March- The Month of Cradling Festivals and a Smile in Every Face
March is the month of various festivals that enliven the sleepy mountains of the Himachal. Some of the well-known festivals are Chaitrual, Holi and Shivratri. The Chaitrual festival is exclusive to Himachal. It is the festivity of pictures, which is celebrated in Sirmaur Region. In between March and April, the full moon night is the time when the rituals are performed under the moonlight. The idols of the families are taken into the fields and ‘Poltu’, an elaborate dish is made to be given to the Goddess as an offering. On their way back from the celebration, people are seen breaking clay pots with the aim to drift the evil spirits away. The rituals of the festival vary from one place to another.
Baisakhi Festival –Good Bye Winters
Baisakhi is celebrated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, like other states, with great joy and keen, on 13th of April each year. Among the several festivals in Himachal Pradesh, this is a major one and is therefore celebrated with fervidness in Tattapani region near Shimla and Rewalsar and Prashar near Mandi. On the eve of this festival, many fairs, events and contests are held. Purifying dips in waters are taken by people.
Phulaich Festival – A Rosy One!
Popularly know as the festivals of flowers, the entire state of Himachal Pradesh looks rosy, on the Phulaich festival, as it is the time for flowers to bloom. As rains make way for the autumn, Himachal Pradesh seems to put on a colorful look with abundant flowers embellishing the villages. The festival is celebrated in September, in the Kinnaur region. On this festival, people pay respect to the relatives who have lost their lives and also pray for the souls to rest in peace. Food and drinks are served on brick mounds to the dead souls, which are afterwards given to the Harijans and the impecunious.
Kullu Dussehra – Concord and Music
One of the major festivals in the state, you cannot just afford to miss the Kulu Dussehra Festival. As the name suggests, the festival is celebrated with great pomp and merry in Kullu. The festival is in its full swing in the month of October. Interesting rituals can be seen to be taking place on the 10 days Dusshra Festival. Wide varieties of cultural programs are also organized. Most importantly, the festivals also serve as a beautiful opportunity to uphold the artifacts and handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh.
Lossar Festival – Lets Celebrate the Buddhist Presence in the State
This Buddhist festival that takes place in the middle of November and December, welcomes the winter season. People worship a local Deity with the hope to restore the prosperity and happiness of the region in the winter months. The festival is also witnesses the commencing of Tibetan New Year by lighting of lamps. While in the morning, religious songs are sung, in the evening, people gather for offering prayers to the Deity. They prepare square lumps with flour that are called Brang-Gyas, which are then kept in plates and places before the God. It is believed that a view of this platter, early morning has some positive, auspicious significance.
Ice Skating Carnival – A Gala Time
A gala time is experienced by the people in Himachal Pradesh, during the Ice Skating Carnival. With a rink in the city of Dalhousie, the carnival is also organized in Shimla. During the carnival, the state is flooded by thousands of visitors. It happens in December, where fancy dress contests, dance performances, ice hockey etc adds to the joy and interest of the festival. If you have an interest for sports, then Ice Skating Carnival in the state of Himachal Pradesh is just the perfect place for you to be!
International Himalayan Festival: It’s Rocking
As you start feeling the snowflakes in Himachal Pradesh, it’s also time for you to prepare yourself for International Himalayan Festival. It is celebrated in December, when the Tibetan leader Dalai Lama blesses McLeodganj. This 3-day festival is celebrated in the lands of Himachal Pradesh with immense grandeur and pomp. It also acts as a crowd puller.
Manimahesh Fair – Tribal Presence Felt
Manimahesh is a pious pilgrimage in Himachal Pradesh. Abode of Lord Shiva, the town bears the stamp of rich cultural heritage. The Manimahesh Festival has been given the status of a ‘State Level Fair’. It happens in February. It is among those rare festivals that are arranged by the tribal people.
Kullu Fair–Another Chance to Celebrate
If feeling aloof is something you don’t want to happen with yourself, then get dressed up in your best and most colorful clothes and get ready for the Fair of Kullu. It is the festival of colors and fun. Visit Kulu in the months of April or May. Also known as Birshu, the festivals takes place in almost every village of Kulu. The Home Deities are worshipped in this festival.
Minjar Fair – All Credit to Chamba
Yet anothet reason to step into the Chamba valley – the Minjar Fair. Held in July, that which characterizes the festival is maize stalks and also silk costumes, long processions and immersion of Raghuvir Verman idol and the other deities in the Ravi River. This 7-day festival bears a religious and historical significance
Lavi Fair –Friendship All the Way!
Lavi Fair is held in Rampur of Himachal Pradesh, on the River banks of Satluj. This festival of international craze and fame happens in November. Lavi was once a major center for trading and also a stopover for the old routes like Ladakh, Afghanistan and Kinnaur. In old days, stalls were put up here by the Kinnaur and Tibetan Traders. Presentl, Lavi Fair is just an effort to revive that old glory. Traders from all corners come to this Lavi Fair, to sell utensils, quilts, and many other consumer goods. The popular items that one can buy are ‘Pashmina’ wool, ‘Chaumkhi’ horses, dry fruits, handicrafts etc. Tribals trade products can also be checked like woollen pattoos and kala zira or may be the Chinese products like tracksuits, jackets and crockery.
Soaked in serene aura
Adorned in unmatched natural beauty
A Land of Festivals
That’s incredible Himachal Pradesh for you
It wont be an exaggeration to say that “Festivals in Himachal Pradesh –Himachal Culture Glorified”!
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