Fairs and Festivals in Kullu Manali
With this blog, I am sharing the festivals of Kullu. Some are known Nationally or Internationally, and a few will be local festivals celebrated in the villages. This blog post is just to explore local festivals celebrated in Kullu Manali.
Below are the few festivals that are well known in Himachal as outside Himachal as well.
1. Winter Carnival:
- When: Second week of January
- Where: Manali
- Duration: 5 days
- Highlights:
- Artists and cultural groups from across the country converge in Manali for this grand festival.
- Classical and folk dances, group songs, fancy dress, and street plays light up the Manu Kala Kendra.
- Fun competitions like the “Mr. Manali Contest” and the “Winter Queen Contest” add to the merriment.
2. Pipal Jatra (Spring Festival/Basantotsav/Pipal Mela):
- When: April 28th to 30th
- Where: Kullu (Dhalpur Ground)
- Significance:
- Declared a state-level festival by the Himachal Pradesh government.
- Each village in Kullu reveres a different deity.
- Witness traditional dances and winter sports competitions at Kala Kendra.
3. Kullu Dussehra:
- When: November or October
- Where: Kullu
- Unique Celebration:
- Unlike the Dussehra celebrated elsewhere, Kullu Dussehra is extraordinary.
- No effigies are burned; instead, a massive procession carries Lord Raghunathji’s idol.
- The “running of gods” procession involves all temple idols paying homage to Lord Raghunathji.
4. Hadimba Devi Fair:
- When: Spring season
- Where: Manali (Hadimba Devi Temple)
- Rituals and Grandeur:
- Locals perform rituals to please their deity, Hadimba Devi (wife of Bheema).
- Traditional dance performances by the locals add to the festive spirit.
5. Shamshi Birshu:
- When: 1st day of Baisakh (In April)
- Where: Shamshi
- Legend:
- Celebrated in memory of the goddess Jwala.
- Witness the grand celebration and immerse yourself in the local culture.
6. Katiyali Jaach(कटियाली जाच):
- When: In April
- Where: Katiyali (Pahnala Road)
- Highlights:
- Celebrated in memory of the Mahadev.
- Pirdi Mahadev and Bijli Mahadev (Rath) come here.
7. Shadi Jaach
- When: 1st day of Baisakh (In April)
- Where: Shamshi
- Legend:
- Celebrated in memory of the goddess Jwala.
- Witness the grand celebration and immerse yourself in the local culture.
8. Peepal Mela(पीपल मेला):
- When: In April (28,29,30 in 2024)
- Where: Dhalpur Ground
- Highlights:
- Art and Craft Shops (Temporary Shops)
- Traditional Clothes Shops
- Cultural Programs
9. Mohal Mela (मौहल मेला):
- When: In May 1st week (28,29,30 in 2024)
- Celebrated on 22,23 प्रविष्ट (as per Hindu Calendar)
- Where: Mohal (Upper Mohal)
- Highlights:
- Deities
- Local Shops (Temporary shops)
Below are the Festivals that are locally celebrated and not well known outside Himachal.
Nashala village Festival (Mela) 🎡
- When: 1st day of Baisakh (In April)
- Where: Nashala village Upper valley, Manali.
- Highlights: Festival is celebrated for village deity ’Chamunda Mata’.
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