Appendix K: Calendar of Festivals and Fairs in Himachal Pradesh



Appendix K: Calendar of Festivals and Fairs in Himachal Pradesh

This appendix presents a month-wise calendar of the major festivals and fairs celebrated across Himachal Pradesh, showcasing its spiritual vibrancy and cultural richness.

Month Festival / Fair Location Description
January Halda Festival Lahaul-Spiti Tribal New Year festival marked with bonfires and dances.
Lohri Statewide Celebrated with bonfires, songs, and community gatherings.
February Losar Spiti Valley, Kinnaur Tibetan New Year with rituals, mask dances, and feasts.
March Holi Statewide Festival of colors with local variations and folk music.
April Baisakhi Kangra, Una Harvest festival with fairs and processions.
Chaitra Navratri Statewide Devotional observances at Shakti temples.
May Summer Festival Shimla Cultural showcase with music, food, and folk dances.
Minjar Fair Chamba (start of sowing season) Celebrated with processions, wrestling matches, and music.
June Sipi Fair Mashobra, Shimla Local fair celebrating the deity Sipi with traditional rituals.
July Shoolini Fair Solan Three-day fair in honor of goddess Shoolini Devi.
Gugga Fair Bilaspur Rural fair associated with snake worship.
August Raksha Bandhan & Janmashtami Statewide Celebrated with temple rituals and family gatherings.
September Kullu Dussehra Kullu Valley Internationally famous week-long fair; deities from various valleys converge.
October Diwali Statewide Festival of lights; local rituals vary by district.
Lavi Fair Rampur (November start) Historic trade fair with Tibetan and Indian traders.
November Tribal Festival Reckong Peo, Keylong Celebration of tribal heritage through food, art, and dance.
December Christmas & Winter Carnival Shimla, Manali Carol singing, cultural programs, and snow-based activities.


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