Himachal Pradesh is a land of vibrant culture and exuberant people. A lively mix of joyful people makes up the inhabitation of this north Indian state. Since people dwelling here belong to different communities, the festivals that are celebrated here are also diverse with values and practices of different cultural groups imbibed in them. But one thing common among all these festivities and celebrations is the huge and devoted participation from the people of all ages as well as religious groups. Festivals and fairs of Himachal Pradesh

Festivals and fairs of Himachal Pradesh

Some of these festivals and fairs are even organized by the state government in order to preserve, protect and promote the culture and religion of the natives of this region. The festivals and fairs most prominent in Himachal Pradesh are as follows: Festivals and fairs of Himachal Pradesh

• Himachal Winter Carnival – Every year from 2nd to 6th January, a Winter Carnival is organized in Manali. A beauty contest in which ‘Winter Queen’ and ‘Mr.Manali’ are chosen is also organized and is the chief attraction of this festival. Other key features of this fair are entertaining skits, folk dances, Skiing Championship, Street Plays, Himachali Food Festival etc.

Festi

vals and fairs of Himachal Pradesh

• Mandi Shivratri Fair – Mandi is a place where there are more than 80 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. A procession is organized in reverence of Madho Rai and the Raja in which several deities are carried on their chariots. Devotees sing devotional songs while carrying Gods on their shoulders. This fair is organized on the occasion of Shivratri Festival and lasts for about a week.

Festivals

and fairs of Himachal Pradesh

• Phulaich Festival – Celebrated in the valley of Kinnaur during the Hindi month of Bhadrapada, this festival marks the blossoming of flowers in the valley. For the locals of this place, Phulaich festival is a way to remember the ones who have passed away. Deceased ones are offered food and wine by their relatives which is later distributed among the poor people.

Festivals

and fairs of Himachal Pradesh

• La Darcha Fair – The celebration of this festival is an initiative to sustain the commercial association of Indians and Tibetans. People from Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Ladakh, Bhutan, Kinnaur, Sikkim and Nepal perform folk songs and dances which is also the major attraction of this festival. Held in the month of August, the festival lasts for three days. Trade of several commodities such as jewelry, plastic material, dry fruit, craft items, accessories, apparel etc. is done in this festival to promote and strengthen cultural and commercial bond of residents of Himalayan region.

• International Himalayan Festival– It is for commemoration of The Dalai Lama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in the year 1985 that this festival is observed. Sponsored by Central Tibetan Administration and Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society in association with Himachal Pradesh Tourism, the festival is celebrated for three days in McLeodganj. Several art and cultural programs are highlight of this event.
• Ice Skating Carnival – The biggest natural ice skating rink of Asia can be found in Shimla. Skating Club of Shimla has been organizing this event since past 60 years and witness huge inpouring of winter sports enthusiasts. The various sports activities conducted here are skiing, chain tags, ice hockey, ice-skating, figure skating and speed hockey.

• Lavi Fair – Held in the town of Rampur, this is one among the most important fairs of the Himachal Pradesh. Organized every year on the 25th day of November, it is a result of trade treaty signed between Tibet and erstwhile Bushahr State. Among the most prominent attractions of this fair are ‘Natti’ dances, cultural shows and trade by shepherds of Kinnaur with traders and people residing in plains.
• Sipi Fair – In order to revere Sip Devta, a fair is held every year on the 1st day of Jaistha month as per Hindi calendar in the town of Sihpur. This fair witnesses huge participation by the people of Sihpur and neighboring areas. Festivals and fairs of Himachal Pradesh

Some other festivals and fairs specific to Himachali culture are

• Kullu Dussehra
• Rakhidumni Festival
• Spring Festival
• Nalwari Festival
• Doongri Festival
• Losar Festival
• Maghi
• Sazo
• Halda Festival
• Mahasu Jatar
• Bharara Fair

Above are some of the most important fairs specific to Himachal Pradesh. While the state enthusiastically celebrates all the festivals commonly celebrated in other parts of India such as Lohri, Makar Sakranti, Holi, Teej, Raksha Bandhan, Navratri, Dussehra, Id, Deepawali, Bhai Dooj, Christmas etc. Festivals and fairs of Himachal Pradesh

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