This state is known for its serene beauty and peaceful nature. Himachal Pradesh, in the lap of Himalayas (literal meaning of the name) is known for its diversity and bountiful beauty of nature it beholds. With about 90% of people living in rural parts the state celebrates a vast number of festivals devoted to more than 2000 deities worshipped in this state. People of the state gather in large groups and come together to dance with happiness to the tunes of folk music. The dances are known to symbolize brotherhood, joy and peace. The culture of the state comes alive in their handicraft that includes leather work, carpets, shawls, wood work, metal work, paintings and more. Surrounded by the beauty of nature the state enjoys all its festivals with great joy. The vibrancy is felt in every heartbeat and is known to live since time immemorial. Palanquins are the chariot for all village gods and goddesses and people worship them by engaging in the customs and rituals with all their energy and power. These festivals act as a medium to bring people from all walks of life together on one platform to enjoy life and celebrate the very essence it beholds.
Some of the major festivals of Himachal are Holi, Lohri, Gochi, Baisakhi, Gugga Fair, Fullaich Festival, Dussehra, International Himalayan Festival to name a few.
Popular Festivals of Himachal Pradesh
Navratras
Navratras is one of the most important festivals of the state. During this time the people deck themselves up in beautiful dresses and meet their dear and near ones to celebrate the festival with all its glory. The day of Durga Ashtami is of great importance to the people. The Durga temples are visited by people from all over the state to offer prayers and worship the deity. There is music, dance, food, colors and joy in every corner and people find the festival to be of utmost important because it brings them closer to their loved ones.
Holi
Holi is celebrated in the month of March, and lasts for two days. The festival is celebrated throughout Himachal Pradesh, but the festivities in Palampur (Kangra) and Sujanpur (Hamirpur) are the most remarkable.
Lohri
Lohri also known as Maghi is celebrated in the middle of January. The celebrations commemorate the last sowing of the crop Rabi. The festivities are marked by community bonfires, folk songs and dances.
Gochi Festival
Gochi is a unique festival of the Bhaga Valley in Himachal Pradesh to celebrate the birth of boy child. It also involves token marriages of children below six years.
Baisakhi Festival
Celebrated in the month of April, Baisakhi is one of the major festivals of the state. It is celebrated on the first Baisakh, bidding farewell to winter.
Gugga Fair
Gugga Fair is celebrated in the month of August in various parts of himachal Pradesh such as Chamba, Sirmour and Bilaspur. It is associated with the worship of the Nag God, Gugga.
Fullaich Festival
The Fullaich festival is celebrated in the month of September in Kinnaur. This is a famour flower festival of the autumn season.
Dussehra
Dussehra is celebrated in Kullu and is a famous festival that falls in the month of October.
International Himalayan Festival
This is majorly celebrated in the Kangra district of the state. The festivities are enjoyed with the blessing of His Holiness, Dalai Lama. Troupes from Himalayan nation take part in the celebrations of the festival.
Sui Mata Festival
Sui Mata Festival is the annual festival of Chamba. It is celebrated in the month of April and lasts for four days.
Minjar Fair
Minjar is the most popular fair enjoyed in Chamba. A large number of people participate in this fair from every corner of the district. It takes place during the Hindu month of Shravana on the second Sunday, which is around the months of July or August. This fair has been recognized as one of the state fair of Himachal Pradesh.