Himachal Pradesh Festivals

Himachal Pradesh is a very diverse and peaceful state in India. Various fairs and festivals are celebrated in Himachal round the year. There are about 2000 deities which are worshipped in Himachal and different fairs and festivals are held in their honour. In many parts of the Himachal the village Gods are carried on palanquins to village fairs. During these fairs and festivals, the people gather in large groups and dance on the tune of the folk songs of the Himachal. These dances symbolise the peace and joy of the people and as well as represents the true tradition and culture. Some of the festivals which are celebrated in Himachal are Baisakhi, Lohri, Gochi, Himachal's Winter Carnival, Nalwari fair, Holi, Shimla's Summer Festival, Gugga fair, Fullaich Festival, Dussehra, Sui Mata Festival, Minjar Fair.

Valley in the Himachal Pradesh. In this festival the villagers celebrate the birth of male children. Token marriages of children below the age of six are also performed. Some children also throw snow balls at each other.

Baisakhi Festival
Baisakhi is one of the most important festival which is celebrated in the month of April. It is celebrated on the first Baisakh and in turn bids farewell to winter. The festival's main root lies in the rural areas where this festival is celebrated on account of the sowing of new crops. At Tattapani near Shimla, at Rewalsar and Prashar lakes near Mandi, people take purifying dips in water. Various village fairs are held on this day which combines wrestling, dancing and archery.

Gugga Fair
Gugga Fair is celebrated in the various places in Himachal Pradesh like Chamba, Bilaspur and Sirmour in the month of August. Gugga fair is connected with the worship of Gugga, the Nag God.

Fullaich Festival
The Fullaich (Phulech) festival is celebrated in Kinnaur in the month of September. This famous festival of flowers is celebrated in the autumn season. The Fullaich festival opens the window to its remarkable people and their beautiful countryside. In this festival, the villagers first scout the hillsides for flowers which are collected in the village square. Then they offer these flowers to the local deity. In the evening there are celebrations which consists of singing, dancing and feasting.

Dussehra Festival
Dussehra is the famous festival which is celebrated in Kullu. This festival is celebrated in the month of October. About more than 200 deities of the valley collect in Kullu on Dussehra festival to pay their offerings to the Lord Raghunathji. The music and dance also fills the 'Silver Valley'. The history of Kullu Dussehra belongs to the 17th century when the local King Jaganand installed an idol of Raghunath or Lord Rama on his throne as a mark of penance. After this, Raghunath came to be known as the ruling deity of the valley.

International Himalayan Festival
The International Himalayan festival is celebrated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. This festival is celebrated with the blessings of Nobel Laureate, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The troupes from the Himalayan nations are invited and they take part in this festival.

Sui Mata Festival
The Sui Mata festival is the Chamba's annual festival. This festival is celebrated in the month of April for four days. This festival commemorates Rani Champavati, the wife of the 10th century Raja Sahil Verma. Only women and children participate in the festival, dancing in the Chaugan before processing with an image of Champavati.

Minjar Fair
Minjar Fair is the most popular fair of Chamba which is attended by a large number of people from every nook and corner of the district. This mela is held on the second Sunday of the Shravana month or in the month of July/ August. Minjar fair has been declared as one of the state fairs of Himachal Pradesh. The fair is announced by distribution of Minjar which is a silk tassel worn on some parts of the dress by men and women alike. This tassel symbolises the shoots of paddy and maize which make their appearance around this time of the year. The week long fair begins when the Minjar flag is hoisted in historical Chaugan. The town of Chamba wears a colourful look with every person turning out in best attire. Most part of the Chaugan is converted into markets and people do brisk business during this week. Sports and cultural programmes are organized. On the third Sunday the gaiety, colorfulness and enthusiasm reached its crescendo when the colourful Minjar procession of the deities accompanied by dancing troupes, traditionally attired locals, traditional drum beaters along with Police and Home Guards band, begins its march from Akhand Chandi Palace for the venue near the Police Lines Nalhora. A great concourse of people is already assembled there. Earlier the Raja and now the chief guest throws a coconut, a rupee, a seasonal fruit and a Minjar tied in a red piece of cloth - Lohan - as offering to the river. This is followed by all the people throwing their Minjars into the river. Traditional Kumjari-Malhar is sung by the local artists. Betal leaves and ittra are offered to everyone among the invitees as a gesture of respect and festivity. Untill 1943, a live buffalo used to be pushed into the river to propitiate it. If it was carried away and drowned, the event was regarded as propitious, the sacrifice having been accepted. If it crossed the river and reached the other bank, that also was auspicious as it was believed that all the sins of the town were transferred to the other side of the river.