Festivals of Himachal Pradesh

The festivals of Himachal Pradesh are different from the other states. Himachal Pradesh festivals are associated with religion, trade, season and sports. There is much tradition connected with the opening of every celebration.

The land of majestic landscape and spectacular vistas, Himachal Pradesh is also a place of diverse and multiple colourful fairs and festivals. The people of this state celebrate its rich culture, social diversity and tradition with great pomp and show and pay immense gratitude for its rich natural beauty, and seek the blessings of the almighty for prosperity. The diversity keeps the state’s year calendar quite busy with celebrations. Apart from the major Hindu population, Himachal is also home to a fair amount of Buddhist, Muslims and few tribes like Gaddis, Kinnars, Jadun, Tanolis, Gujjars, Pangawals and Lahaulis, each has a festival or two of their own.

Himachalis also welcome each season with great joy and offer prayers to the gods and hold celebrations. The spring season marks the blossoming of flowers in the Kullu Valley. To celebrate its arrival, the Doongri Fair is organized at the Hadimba Temple in Kullu. Celebrated to bring happiness and prosperity to the region, the Chet Festival is organized on the first day of the first month of the lunar year. This festival is widely celebrated in the areas of Kangra, Hamirpur and Bilaspur.