Famous Festivals & Fairs
Himachal Pradesh is known for its vibrant festivals and fairs, reflecting its rich cultural heritage, traditions, and spiritual significance. From grand religious celebrations to lively tribal fairs, every festival in Himachal offers a unique experience of music, dance, and community spirit.
Major Festivals of Himachal Pradesh
1. Kullu Dussehra – The Grand Festival of Gods
- Where: Kullu
- When: October (After Navratri)
- Highlights:
- Unlike traditional Ravana Dahan, over 200 local deities from villages are carried in a massive procession.
- Features folk dances, music, cultural performances, and local fairs.
- The celebration lasts for 7 days and attracts thousands of devotees.
2. Losar Festival – Tibetan New Year Celebration
- Where: Spiti Valley, Lahaul, Dharamshala
- When: February – March
- Highlights:
- Most important festival for the Tibetan Buddhist community in Himachal.
- Marked by masked dances, rituals at monasteries, and prayer ceremonies.
- Celebrated with offerings, feasts, and traditional Cham dance performances.
3. Minjar Fair – The Harvest Festival of Chamba
- Where: Chamba
- When: July – August
- Highlights:
- A week-long fair celebrating the harvest season, marked by a grand procession.
- People wear silk tassels (Minjar), symbolizing maize & paddy crops.
- Ends with the Minjar immersion ritual in the Ravi River.
4. Halda Festival – The ‘Himachali Diwali’
- Where: Lahaul & Spiti
- When: January
- Highlights:
- Similar to Diwali, locals light bonfires to drive away evil spirits.
- Celebrated with music, dance, and traditional feasts.
5. Himachal Winter Carnival – Snow Festival of Manali
- Where: Manali
- When: January
- Highlights:
- Features skiing competitions, ice skating, and adventure sports.
- Includes folk dance performances, street parades, and a food festival.
6. Phulaich Festival – The ‘Festival of Flowers’
- Where: Kinnaur
- When: September
- Highlights:
- A colorful celebration where locals collect wildflowers from the hills.
- Includes dancing, feasting, and offerings to ancestors.
7. Shivratri Fair – A Grand Celebration in Mandi
- Where: Mandi
- When: February – March
- Highlights:
- Mandi is known as ‘Chhoti Kashi’ (Mini Kashi) due to its 81 temples.
- Over 200 deities are brought in a grand procession to pay tribute to Lord Shiva.
- Includes cultural performances, folk music, and fairs.
Traditional Fairs & Cultural Festivals
8. Lavi Fair – The Trade Festival of Himachal
- Where: Rampur (Shimla)
- When: November
- Highlights:
- One of the oldest trading fairs in North India, dating back 300 years.
- A major event for wool, handicrafts, and dry fruit trade.
- Features folk music, dance, and traditional stalls.
9. Sazo Festival – A Gateway to Heaven
- Where: Kinnaur
- When: January
- Highlights:
- A festival where locals believe their gods ascend to heaven.
- People bathe in holy water, perform rituals, and visit temples.
10. Doongri Festival – Hadimba Devi’s Celebration
- Where: Manali
- When: May
- Highlights:
- A grand festival celebrated at the Hadimba Devi Temple.
- Includes traditional Nati dance, folk music, and fairs.
11. Renuka Fair – Honoring Mother-Son Bond
- Where: Renuka Lake (Sirmaur)
- When: November
- Highlights:
- Dedicated to Goddess Renuka (Mother of Lord Parshuram).
- People carry deities in decorated palanquins and celebrate with fairs.
12. Bir Billing Paragliding Festival – A Sky Adventure Festival
- Where: Bir Billing
- When: October – November
- Highlights:
- Hosts one of the world’s best paragliding championships.
- Paragliders from over 40 countries participate in thrilling air races.
