Fairs & Festivals

When: 2nd week of January
Duration: 5 days
Where: Manali

Manali shakes of its winter hibernation in the 2nd week of January and gets ready for the Winter Carnival, the most awaited festival in the valley. Winter Carnival is a grand festival of Manali, and artists and cultural groups from all over the country come here to participate in the celebration. Manu Kala Kendra swarms with tourists and locals, who crowd to watch the performances of Classical and folk dances, group songs and dances, fancy dress, one-act plays, and street plays. This festival ends with a fun competition like Mr. Manali Contest and the Winter Queen Contest.

When: 28th to 30th April
Duration: 3 days
Where: Kullu

The Spring Festival is also known as Basantotsav or Pipal Jatra, which takes place in Dhalpur Grounds in Kullu. The Himachal Pradesh government has declared this as a state-level festival. Every village of Kullu has a different deity. Locals believe that long back, the king sat under the Pipal tree with his courtiers and watched the traditional dance. Crowds swarm Kala Kendra, an open-air theatre in Dhalpur, to witness the grand celebration. Winter sports competition also takes place during this festival.

When: November or October
Duration: 1 day
Where: Kullu

The festival is called Dusshera, but it is nothing like the festival celebrated in the rest of the country. Instead of burning effigies, a massive procession takes place with Lord Raghunathji. The deity is seated on a huge chariot and pulled by huge ropes from its usual place in Dhalpur Maidan to another spot. All the idols are brought out of their temples to pay homage to Lord Raghunathji. This spectacular traditional procession, starting from the Raghunathji Temple and led by the Kullu Rajah and village deities, is also known as the running of gods.

When: Spring season
Duration: 1 day
Where: Kullu

The Hadimba Devi Fair is another grand festival of Kullu-Manali. Held during spring, locals celebrate this festival at the premises of Hadimba Devi Temple. Visit during the season and witness the grandeur of the temple decorations. The locals remain busy from morning to night, performing rituals to please their deity Hadimba Devi, the wife of Bheema. The fascinating part of the celebration is the traditional dance performance by the local people.

When: 1st day of Baisakh
Duration: 1 day
Where: Khokhan Village, Kullu

Khokhan is a remote village in Kullu Tehsil and is known for the Shamshi Vishu festival. The people of this village believe themselves to be progenies of the rishis and great sages of the country. On the 1st of Baisakh every year, the goddess is taken out of the temple and worshipped. Later after prayers, she is escorted back to the temple.

When: June to July
Duration: 3 days
Where: Bhuntar

The name Mela Bhuntar itself suggests that this festival takes place in the little hamlet of Bhuntar, located at a distance of about 49kms from Manali. This three-day festival is celebrated to thank the deities for their blessings which helps in a flourishing harvest every year.

When: May
Duration: 1 day
Where: Kullu

This festival takes place near the Doongri forest in Van Vihar. Mainly arranged by the local women, this festival is celebrated to please the local deity Hadimba Devi (wife of Bheema). The women wear colorful dresses and perform the traditional dance. Tourists pour into the place during May and June to attend this festival.

When: January end to March
Duration: 15 days
Where: All of Himachal Pradesh

This festival is a significant celebration among the tribal people of Himachal Prad esh. Losar is believed to have originated in the pre-Buddhist period in Tibet and is the New Year’s celebrations for them. During this festival, Tibetan opera and prayer ceremonies take place in different monasteries. The specialty of Losar celebration is the Chaam Dance which is performed wearing vibrant costumes and masks. The story represented through the dance tells us how the cruel Tibetan king Langdarma was killed in the 9th century, leading to the triumph of good over evil. Because of the weird masks, the Chaam Dance is also called the Devil Dance.

When: 13th January
Duration: 1 day
Where: All of Himachal Pradesh

Although a prominent festival of Punjab, Lohri is widely celebrated in Himachal Pradesh, including Manali. This fascinating ritual is meant to jumpstart the harvesting of Rabi crops. People wear traditional clothes and gather to play and sing around the bonfire. They throw puffed rice in the fire as an offering to God and pray for a good harvest.

When: 13th and 14th April
Duration: 1 day
Where: All of Himachal Pradesh

Another festival celebrated widely in every nook and corner of Himachal Pradesh is the Baisakhi or Vaisakhi. This festival is the celebration of a good harvest. The main attraction of this festival is the fascinating combination of fairs, wrestling, dancing, and archery competitions, which make it a grand show. Be a part of the celebration and make your vacation memorable.