Himachal Pradesh is one of the prominent tourist spots in India where you get an amalgamation of various religions. The local folks belong to diverse communal and religious backgrounds. This gives numerous options to visitors to enjoy all kinds of festivities when in Himachal Pradesh. The writing below discusses the various famous festivities for tourists in Himachal Pradesh.
The land of Himachal Pradesh is well-known among travellers worldwide. The Himalayan influence and pictographic beauty of the place attract people from all the corners of the world. Read on to find out more about the various festivals that visitors can take part in different times of the year to make the ambience more colourful and enjoyable.
Kullu Dussehra
Kullu Dussehra for Music Feast:
This festival is considered among the biggest ones in this region. You just cannot miss the ‘Dussehra’ celebrated here in Kullu which has gained worldwide fame. The month of October is thought to be the ‘most auspicious and sacred’ by the Himachal people and this is when ‘Dussehra’ is celebrated with pomp and joy out here. The festival lasts for ten days from sunrise to sunset. The international Folk Festival is also celebrated during this time. Several cultural programs are performed at the time of the fiesta. Moreover, local handicrafts are displayed along with the artefacts of the entire country in the festival time.
The Himachal Winter Carnival:
February is another month when you should most definitely be present in Himachal as this is the time when the total state bustles with visitors. This winter carnival is the only way to enjoy the snowfall with maximum thrill. It is basically a ‘happening’ time in Himachal when the atmosphere gets electric amidst the chilly temperature. The event is hosted by Manali and contests such as ‘Winter queen’ also takes place during the festival. Tourists can also participate in winter sports to add to the excitement of the festival.
The Ice Skating Carnival:
This is the time when people have a blast in Himachal Pradesh. The ice rink is located in Dalhousie but the carnival takes place in Shimla too. Visitors from all across the world crowd here to enjoy the snow carnival. There is ‘fancy dress’ competitions and local dance performances along with sporting activities like ice hockey. You will learn more about the traditional attire of the locals in this festival and feel the warmth with which these folks welcome outsiders. For adventure lovers, this festival is an ideal way to spend some holiday time in winter.
Ice Skating Carnival
The International Himalayan Festival:
With the snowfall reaching its peak in Himachal Pradesh prepares itself for another festival it takes pride in- the ‘International Himalayan Festival’. In the month of December the ‘Dalai Lama’, spiritual Tibetan Leader, comes down to Mc Leodganj to bless the residents and the place that becomes an added attraction to this festival. The event lasts for three days with invitations for all tourists to make it a grand celebration.
The Baisakhi Festival:
This particular festival is celebrated on 13th of April each year to mark the end of winter and arrival of spring season in the land. This festival is a prioritized one as local folks all over the state indulge in dancing and eating and getting outdoors. It is celebrated in a big way in the Tattapani region next to Shimla as well as Prashar and Rewalsar lakes close to Mandi. People follow the tradition of dipping in cold water during the festival and fairs are also organized in which archery, wrestling and dancing events are held.
If you are present in Himachal Pradesh while any of these festivals are on you should definitely make yourself a part of the celebration and enjoy the delicacy of the cultural ways to find happiness.
