As we know, India is a country bountiful in culture and tradition; each culture has its own essence. Despite being a country of diversities, Indians are constantly brought together under the same sky by celebrations and festivities. Life is bland without the flavor of Cultural events and festivities. Every state in India has its own festivals and different and unique method to celebrate, and so in Himachal. Himachal Pradesh is the most beautiful state, with enchanting snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, alluring streams, and majestic waterfalls. However, the state also celebrates the famous festivals of Himachal Pradesh, which attract tourists and locals.
We can’t imagine our lives without festivals and we all know that the festival is the time of the year when we rejoice and celebrate life despite our busy schedules.We all are fully aware about the beauty of Himachal but what we don’t know is the famous festival of Himachal Pradesh which has been celebrated from centuries and still going on. Lights, food, music, and bang are uniquely Indian ways of expressing how much we love to celebrate.
Experience The Most Popular Festivals Of Himachal Pradesh
The holy and abundant state of Himachal Pradesh proudly owns some of the most famous tourist destinations that are loved and visited by thousands of people from all corners of the world. Himachal Pradesh is not just the subject of “places” but also festivals, food, and music. So here in this blog, we will walk through some of the most famous festivals of Himachal Pradesh, celebrated with enthusiasm and love.
1. Halda
The most popular festival in Himachal Pradesh, Halda is celebrated gleefully to welcome the new year, wherein people worship Shashikar Apa, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and seek her blessings for this new beginning. Traditionally it is celebrated by the Lamas and people of the Lahaul areas.
As no festival is complete without dance and music hence during the night, traditional dance and music are performed so as to keep the eternal practices of the culture alive. People enjoy the rituals and music with traditional food and feast and a bonfire, a symbol of unity and harmony within the community.
2. Kullu Dussehra
Unlike the actual festival of Dussehra which is celebrated with much enthusiasm all throughout the peninsula, Kullu Dussehra, another very popular festival in Himachal Pradesh is celebrated quite differently. However, the real essence remains the same. Kullu Dussehra is a seven-day fest that starts with the processions of Lord Ram, here known as Raghunathji.
People worship Raghunathji taking out processions across the town and then enjoying the festival with a lot of folk music and dance and feasts. The colourful and joyous processions, cultural activities, and the Kala Kendra Festival are truly a sight to behold.
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3. Ice Skating Carnival
Being one of the famous hill stations in India, Himachal gets snow-covered completely during the winter season, implying that people can enjoy even the chilling months. Therefore, the state organizes the Ice-skating Carnival, the most famous festival in Himachal Pradesh. The ice skating activities available in HP this season appeal to adventure enthusiasts and tourists looking for a break from their hectic schedules.
The winter wonderland, Himachal Pradesh, hosts this carnival with open arms to people from different parts of the country and foreign lands. Fancy dress competitions and shows are held during the fest with a lot of music and dance.
4. Sair Festival
Every year, one of the most cultural and famous festivals of Himachal Pradesh, named the Sair Festival, is celebrated in mid-September in the towns of Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, and Solan. It is also known as the harvest festival of Himachal Pradesh, marking the harvest season’s end. It is believed that the celebration is to honor the gods’ return from heaven, and there are numerous stories in every town describing the theory of this festival.
The major attractions include bullfights of more than 50 bulls and invoking the energies of Gods to seek blessings by blowing trumpets and beating drums. Also, a big fair filled with handicrafts by local craftsmen adds a delightful experience to the festival.
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5. Losar
The Losar Festival, also called the Tibetan New Year, is celebrated in India, Nepal, Tibet, Sikkim, and Bhutan, exhibiting the fight between good and evil. It is beautifully celebrated in all the monasteries present in Himachal Pradesh. It starts on the day of a new moon, representing a new beginning and the first day of the first month on the Tibetan calendar.
This festival brings prosperous happiness and fortune with a peaceful year. It is one of the famous festivals of Himachal Pradesh which includes some key attractions and rituals of praying, chanting, and dancing Lamas on folk music and the Tibetan opera.
6. International Himalayan Festival
The International Himalayan Festival is commemorated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh to honor the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize. The celebration lasts for three days. It is one of the famous festivals of Himachal Pradesh, as it signifies the peaceful and friendly relationship between India and Tibet. Various cultural events occur throughout this festival.
Also Read: Spectacular Solan- Best Places to visit in Solan, Himachal Pradesh
7. Doongri Fair
Doongri Fair is another addition to the list of fairs and festivals of Himachal Pradesh. The festival is celebrated at the Hadimba Temple situated in Manali, Himachal Pradesh on the occasion of Hadimba Devi’s birthday and Basant Panchami and to denote the arrival of spring.
Doongri Fair, also known as Hadambi Devi Fair, lasts for three days. Various musical and dance performances are held during this festival. Due to its vibrant crowd and colorfulness, it is considered a photographer’s delight.
8. Baisakhi
Baisakhi or Bisowa, is one of the religious and harvest festivals of Himachal Pradesh that is celebrated on the 13th of April. The preparation for the festival starts quite early. This festival marks the end of the winter season. During this festival, the Baisakhi fair is one of the major attractions. People paint their houses white and plunge into the holy Ganga river.
9. Chet
Chet (Dholru) Festival denotes the first month of the Lunar year and the Nanakshahi calendar, governing the activities concerned with Sikhism. This month coincides between March and April. The significance of this occasion is celebrated in Kanga to fill the rest of the year with happiness and prosperity.
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10. Rakhi
Rakhi is one of the most precious festivals celebrated in all the states of India. The festival of Rakhi is celebrated on the full moon, the sisters tie a spiritual rakhi (thread or string) around their brother’s wrist in exchange for defense and love. Brothers give gifts, sweets, and shagun (money) to show their love toward their sisters.
11. Spring Festival
Spring Festival is the state festival of Himachal Pradesh celebrated on the arrival of the spring season. Pipal Pooja and other religious activities are held on this occasion. Several entertaining cultural programs are held during this festival, creating many business opportunities. It is one of the famous festivals of Himachal Pradesh, and various tourists visit Himachal for this event. People in remote places buy agricultural products and tools for their households from the fair.
Final Words
Festivals are the expression of our heritage. A trip to Himachal Pradesh during even one of these festivals of Himachal Pradesh might lighten up your life immersively with the grandeur and richness of the Himachali culture. The terrains of HP have a unique scent of expedition and warmth, which attracts tourists not just from India but from all parts of the globe. Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful respite from the daily hustle of life, and the beauty of tradition and festivities added to it makes it the best tourist destination in India.