Festivals in Himachal Pradesh
The Fairs and Festivals are an essential part of the Indian way of life. The festivals of Himachal Pradesh are different from the other states. The Fairs and Festivals in Himachal Pradesh are the time for the people of the state to take a break from their tough and harsh schedule to make their life hospitable in the hilly terrain. The Fairs and Festivals in Himachal Pradesh are associated with religion, trade, season and sports. There is much folklore connected with the beginning of each festival. These fairs offer a clear glimpse into the lives, the beliefs and the popular customs of the rural life in Himachal.
Out of a long list of Fairs and Festivals in Himachal Pradesh, some of the festivals are celebrated since time immemorial and some are of recent inclusion. These Fairs and Festivals in Himachal Pradesh are the best way to get close to the local life of the state. The festivals sometimes mark the beginning of seasons. Many Sikh festivals like Baisakhi and Lohri are also celebrated largely here and the tribals have their own festivals here. The main festivals of Himachal Pradesh are holi, diwali, Baisakhi are Lohri.
Some of the Fairs and Festivals of Himachal Pradesh
Pori festival: The Pori festival of the Lahaul valley is remarkable. It is celebrated in the traditional way at the temple of Trilokinath. On this day the statue of the lord is bathed with milk and yogurt and then at about ten o' clock in the morning a crowd of people goes around the temple beating drums and blowing conchshells and bugles. A horse is also taken round the temple. It is believed that the god sits on its back and this is why the horse is drenched in sweet after the ritual. After the procession, the crowd along with the horse goes to the palace of the local ruler where the horse is given a grand welcome. The king then rides the horse and visits the fair ground which is dotted all over with small shops. On this day a butter lamp burns within the temple all day and all night long. The devotees add more butter to it as they come and accept the ritual Prasad of multi-coloured scraps of cloth with deep veneration.
Kullu Dussera: It is the famous festival celebrated in the northern India. It is called Dusshera all over but here it is called Kullu Dusshera. The actual festival begins here when it ends elsewhere. It marks the return of Lord Rama to his homeland Ayodhya. A seven day celebration marks it with the Gods of Kullu, Rupi and Seraj gathering here. For seven days dance and music fill the air. A trade fair is also held simultaneously.
Holi: The festival of Holi comes in the full moon day in the month of Falgun. Some women in the village offer special Puja during Holi. Small twigs of the 'Kamal' tree are painted in red and yellow and then laid out in little bamboo baskets (khartoo) along with thread, kumkum, jaggery and roasted grams. The women carry this basket and little pots of coloured water in their hands and go for the Puja. This is first offered to an elderly man (Dandochh) and then the Holi is played. The next day the entire village plays Holi. The day prior to Holi, when the moon comes out, the Holi bonfire is built and set to fire. There is a scramble during this among the younger men to touch the Holi flag first. He who touch it first, is considered lucky. Special Kadah Prasad (sweet gruel) is also cooked and distributed.
Shimla Travel Guide
Attractions in ShimlaChurchs in Shimla
Festivals in Shimla
Honeymoon in Shimla
Museums in Shimla
Shimla Tourist Guide
Temples in Shimla
Travel to Shimla
History of Shimla
Jakhoo Temple Shimla
Shimla State Museum
Mall Road Shimla
Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide
Church in Himachal PardeshCulture of Himachal Pradesh
Fair and Festivals in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh Tourist Guide
History of Himachal Pradesh
Honeymoon in Himachal Pradesh
Introduction Himachal Pradesh
Museums in Himachal Pardesh
Temples in Himachal Pradesh
Tourist Attraction in Himachal Pradesh
Travel to Himachal Pradesh
