Festivals of Himachal Pradesh | Culture of Himachal Pradesh HP

The state of Himachal Pradesh has a long procession of festivals. This state astonishingly combines both antiquity and plenitude. The people in this state participate in all the festivals with equal amount of enthusiasm and traditional fervor. Most of the festivals in this state are in close connection with the various seasonal changes. Each district in this state indulges themselves in their distinct plethora of festivals, which are in turn associated with the historical and sociological background of that area. The festivals of Himachal Pradesh would not only enliven your spirits but also would be a warm welcome from the monotonous schedule of your regular life. The festivals of the state of Himachal Pradesh are in fact characterized by joyous ceremonies, enthusiasm paralleled with ample fun and celebration. Not only that during the festive celebrations the rich and the poor alike assemble together to enhance the spirit of their festive moods. There are some festivals, which are even linked with the lifestyle of the people, change of seasons and harvesting. And during this festivals the farmers do not work in the fields. But whatever the festival is, the people in Himachal Pradesh make for unrestrained merrymaking during the festivities.

Following are festivals celebrated in Himachal Pradesh :

Pori : This festival of the Lahaul valley is truly remarkable in all its aspects. Pori is celebrated at the temple of Trilokinath in a much traditional manner. The religious rituals and traditions are followed with much veneration. The statues of the Lord is bathed with milk and yogurt on this special day at about ten in the morning and then a congregation of both male and female goes around the synagogue beating drums and blowing conch shells. According to the local myths and beliefs a horse is taken round the temple because it is believed that the God sits on its back. This also sums up as the reason as to why the horse is drenched in sweet after the ritual. The people then visit the palace of the local ruler who then rides the horse and visits the fair ground. Throughout the day of this festival a butter lamp burns within the temple.

Dussehra :

Holi :

Baisakhi :

Lossar : This festival is celebrated in the Lahaul district in the state of Himachal Pradesh and is also known as the Tibetan New Year. It is celebrated to welcome the season of winter. The blessing of the local deity is desired by the people of this region to make the season happy and prosperous for the people. The traditional dances and an unbelievable rich imagery form a special feature of the Lossar festival. The most spectacular cultural performances takes place in the Buddhist monasteries of Lahaul.

Phulaich : The festival of Phulaich is celebrated throughout the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh in the month of September according to the English Calendar. This festival is locally known as `Ookayand` of `Ukyam`, a combination of two words `Oo` and `Kaayang`. This is also known as the `Festival of Flowers`. This is an eight-day festival during which the local God is embellished with colorful cloths and jewels and on the last day of this festival the local deity is brought back to the temple and a goat and lamb is sacrificed.

Diwali :

International Himalayan Festival : This much-awaited festival is celebrated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh in the month of December. This festival can be redefined as a winter extravaganza. It is also a celebration of the ancient cultural diversity, which the Himalayas have nurtured and sustained over the centuries. It is also a global attempt to bring the rich and gentle cultures of the Himalayan Mountains.

Halda : It is observed in the month of January according to the English calendar as the New Year festival of the district of Lahaul. The Lamas always decide the exact date of this festival. This festival is observed in the honor of `Shiskar Apa` the Goddess of Wealth in the Lamaisthic pantheon. The localites of Lahauli indulge themselves in a private celebration during this festival.

Lohri :