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Festivals in Himachal Pradesh are vibrant reflections of the state’s deep-rooted traditions and spiritual beliefs. From colourful temple fairs to serene Buddhist ceremonies in remote monasteries, each festival showcases the region’s cultural diversity. These celebrations are marked by music, dance, local cuisine, and rituals that bring communities together. Whether it’s the grandeur of Kullu Dussehra or the simplicity of village festivities, the spirit of unity and devotion remains the same. Experiencing these festivals offers travellers a chance to connect with Himachal’s people and heritage in a deeply meaningful way.
Top 10 Festivals In Himachal Pradesh
Festivals in Himachal Pradesh reflect the state’s rich culture, blending devotion, music, dance, and local traditions into vibrant celebrations across villages, towns, and valleys.
1. Kullu Dussehra
Photo: Kondephy / Wikimedia Commons
Kullu Dussehra is one of the most iconic festivals of Himachal Pradesh and attracts visitors from around the world. Unlike other regions of India, the festival here begins on Vijayadashami, when the effigy of Ravana is usually burnt elsewhere. The most important part is the grand parade of Lord Raghunath’s idol, which is pulled by hundreds of local gods on a decorated chariot. Folk songs and the sounds of traditional instruments fill the valley, and people in the village wear their best clothes. The event makes the valley a cultural centre with fairs, shows and community meals.
Location: Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Top Attractions: Dhalpur Ground festivities, Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath, folk dances, traditional music, local fairs
Suggested Read: The Best Things To Do In Kullu
2. Losar Festival
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Losar Festival, which is celebrated by Tibetans, marks the Tibetan New Year and occupies a place of particular religious importance. The festival takes place either in February or March and extends for several days with rituals, worship, and celebrations. Monasteries glow with butter lamps, colourful flags, and sacred chants that fill the air with positive energy. Families clean their homes, exchange gifts, and prepare traditional foods such as Guthuk, a special noodle soup. The Cham dance, which monks perform in colourful masks and robes, is a spectacle that leaves visitors spellbound. People in the area also burn torches and hold symbolic ceremonies to keep bad things away and bring in good things.
Location: Lahaul, Spiti Valley, and Tibetan settlements across Himachal Pradesh
Top Attractions: Cham dance at monasteries, Guthuk soup, butter lamps, prayer ceremonies, colourful Tibetan décor
3. Minjar Fair
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The Minjar Fair in Chamba celebrates both the crop and religious devotion. It is a beautiful event that brings together farming and religion. It takes place every year for a week in late July or early August. The festival starts with a big parade in which idols of gods and goddesses are paraded in the streets of the city as music plays and people wear bright clothes. The most important ritual is offering maize flowers, known as Minjar, into the Ravi River to thank nature for its bounty. Moreover, cultural shows, traditional dances, and folk songs bring the town to life. Stalls selling woollens, jewellery, and handicrafts add vibrancy, making it a lively marketplace.
Location: Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
Top Attractions: Procession of deities, Minjar (maize flower) immersion in the Ravi River, folk performances, and shopping stalls
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Chamba
4. Phulaich Festival
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The Phulaich Festival, also called the Ukyam Festival, is held in Kinnaur every September and is popularly known as the “Festival of Flowers”. Villagers collect flowers from the mountains, which are then offered to the local deities in beautifully arranged bouquets. This act symbolises gratitude to nature for its beauty and abundance. People wear traditional Kinnauri clothes and join the celebrations with music, dance, and social gatherings. Moreover, it is not only a religious festival but also a social one where communities come together to strengthen bonds. The whole town comes to life with activity as people cook delicious meals.
Location: Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh
Top Attractions: Flower offerings to local deities, Kinnauri folk dances, traditional attire, community feasts
5. Renuka Fair
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Renuka Fair is a spiritual and cultural fair, which takes place every year in November at Sirmaur’s Renuka Lake. Celebrating Goddess Renuka and Lord Parshuram, son of the latter, the fair takes its essence from the story of the reunion of the latter two. A colourful procession carries the idol of Lord Parshuram from Gwalnaugh village to Renuka Lake, and offerings and rituals follow. As per the devotees, bathing in the holy waters of the fair purifies the soul. In addition, cultural events, traditional dances, and colourfully vibrant markets fill the atmosphere with laughter. The stalls of handicraft items and local delicacies attract villagers and visitors.
Location: Renuka Lake, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh
Top Attractions: Procession of Lord Parshuram, ritual bathing in Renuka Lake, craft markets, cultural dance shows
Suggested Read: Lakes In Himachal
6. Mandi Shivratri Fair
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The Mandi Shivratri Fair is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most grand celebrations, held for seven days in February or March. The festival begins when over 200 idols of local deities are brought from nearby villages to Mandi town, where they gather at the Bhootnath Temple to honour Lord Shiva. This congregation is known as a “Dev Samagam” or meeting of gods. The town comes to life with lights, music, and folk dances. Exhibitions, markets, and cultural events also help to make the holiday season more fun. People who believe in this fair think it brings good luck, and people who travel there think it’s a great mix of faith and culture.
Location: Mandi Town, Himachal Pradesh
Top Attractions: Dev Samagam at Bhootnath Temple, decorated idols of local deities, folk music and dance, exhibitions
7. Halda Festival
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Halda Festival is celebrated in January in Lahaul and Spiti and is considered similar to Diwali. It is dedicated to the goddess of prosperity and wealth. Families install cedar wood torches and ignite them as part of the central ritual. The burning torches, carried across white landscapes, make for a stunning sight against the night sky. People congregate in groups, sing local melodies and enjoy traditional feasts, and the festival is filled with happiness and togetherness. Halda is more about unity within families and villages, for festivities are celebrated together and not individually. For a tourist, the experience of Halda amidst cold mountains is scarce and mystical.
Location: Lahaul and Spiti Districts, Himachal Pradesh
Top Attractions: Torch procession with cedar wood, family feasts, traditional songs and dances, snow-covered backdrops
Suggested Read: Kasol Music Festival
8. Sazo Festival
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Sazo Festival is an important event celebrated in Kinnaur in January. People think that the local gods go to heaven for a brief time on this day. Families get ready by cleaning their homes, decorating temples, and giving food to the gods. People think that taking ritual baths in sacred rivers or springs is good luck and that they will wash away sins. Families also make special meals and consume them together after giving them to the gods. The holiday is both spiritual and social because people pray and celebrate together. Going to Sazo means seeing how faith affects everyday life in Kinnaur for you.
Location: Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh
Top Attractions: Ritual baths in Baspa River, home offerings to deities, family feasts, Kinnauri cultural practices
9. Doongri Fair
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In May, people in Manali celebrate the Doongri Fair, which is also called the Hadimba Devi Fair. It is the birthday of Goddess Hadimba, who is the valley’s guardian deity. The festival starts with a parade of her idols with music, dancing, and prayers. Moreover, stalls selling woollens, handicrafts, and food items add colour to the fairground. For locals, the fair symbolises devotion to Goddess Hadimba, while for visitors, it provides an insight into Himachali traditions. The mixture of devotion, cultural richness, and the stunning natural beauty of Manali makes the Doongri Fair a memorable experience. It is a religious festival as well as a vibrant fair that brings together faith and festivity.
Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Top Attractions: Hadimba Devi Temple procession, local handicraft stalls, folk dances, music performances
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places Near Manali
10. Lavi Fair
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The Lavi Fair, held every November in Rampur Bushahr, is one of the most historic trade fairs of Himachal Pradesh. It originated centuries ago when Rampur was an important trading centre on the old Silk Route. Traders from Himachal, Tibet, and nearby areas came together to swap goods such as salt, wool, and horses. Even today, the fair is still going strong with lively markets offering woollens, carpets, and dry fruits. The fair offers more than just trade; it features folk performances, cultural events, and exhibitions as well. It’s a wonderful chance to experience Himachal’s historic trading traditions.
Location: Rampur Bushahr, Himachal Pradesh
Top Attractions: Traditional trade fair, Tibetan wool and carpets, folk cultural shows, dry fruits and handicrafts
Festivals in Himachal Pradesh reflect the deep-rooted culture, spiritual beliefs, and close bond with nature. From grand events like Kullu Dussehra to local traditions like Sazo, each festival holds unique significance. These celebrations blend Hindu and Buddhist rituals, colourful processions, music, and fairs. Tied closely to agriculture and legends, they offer visitors an authentic cultural experience. Travel with TripXL to witness the joy, devotion, and hospitality of Himachal’s festive spirit.
Cover Photo: Paul Harding 00 / Shutterstock
