16 Festivals in Himachal Pradesh 2025

Kullu Dussehra is a famous festival in Himachal Pradesh that is celebrated with grandeur in the scenic Kullu Valley. Unlike the traditional Dussehra, which marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, Kullu Dussehra focuses on worshipping Lord Raghunath. It starts on Vijayadashami and lasts for seven days. It features vibrant processions, cultural performances, and local folk dances. Thousands of locals and tourists gather to witness this spectacular event, where the deities from surrounding villages are carried in a grand parade to the Kullu Dussehra grounds. The festival also highlights the rich cultural heritage of Himachal through its traditional music, customers, and rituals. This celebration is not only a religious gathering but also a way to preserve the unique cultural legacy of Kullu. 

Losar Festival is a famous festival in Himachal Pradesh that is celebrated primarily by the Tibetan and Buddhist communities. This festival marks the Tibetan New Year and falls around February or March. During Losar, homes and monasteries are adorned with bright decorations symbolising the welcoming of positive energies. Rituals like burning incense, offering prayers, and traditional dances bring a festive vibe to the entire region. The locals prepare special dishes like Thukpa and butter tea, which are shared with family and friends. Losar Festivals are a time for people to come together, forget past grievances, and pray for peace and prosperity. Its vibrant celebrations and cultural significance make Losar an integral part of Himachal Pradesh’s diverse cultural tapestry. 

Halda Festival is a famous festival of Himachal Pradesh celebrated by the Lahaul and Spiti tribes in January. This festival is dedicated to Shiskar Apa, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and is a ritualistic way of warding off negative energies. During the Halda Festival, locals gather to light bonfires known as Halda torches, which are placed together in a central spot to signify unity and protection. Traditional music and dance add to the festive atmosphere as people offer prayers for a prosperous year ahead. The celebration, deeply rooted in local costumes, is a testament to the unique tribal culture of the region. Halda Festival provides an intimate glimpse into the spiritual and communal life of the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. 

The Sazo Festival is among the ancient festivals celebrated in Himachal Pradesh, specifically in the Kinnaur region. Marking the departure of local deities to heaven, this festival brings a spiritual atmosphere to the region. Villagers worship their household gods with rituals, prayers, and offerings, seeking blessings for the upcoming year. During the celebration, people also take holy dips in nearby rivers and springs, believing it purifies the soul. Traditional Kinnauri folk songs and dances add a festive touch to the event. Sazo typically takes place in January or February, creating a peaceful yet vibrant ambience in the snow-covered valleys. This festival is a unique opportunity to witness the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh in its purest form.

The Doongri Fair, also known as the Hadimba Devi Fair, is a popular festival celebrated in Himachal Pradesh in the town of Manali. Held in May, it honours Hadimba Devi, a revered deity in the region. The fair takes place near the historic Hadimba Temple, where devotees and tourists gather to witness the vibrant celebrations. Traditional folk music, dance performances, and local handicraft stalls add to the festive atmosphere. The fair is a great opportunity to explore the rich traditions of Himachal while enjoying the scenic beauty of Manali. The Doongri Fair also features cultural shows that highlight the customs of the local community, making it a delightful experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the region's heritage. 

The Mandi Shivratri Fair is one of the grand festivals celebrated in Himachal Pradesh, drawing thousands of devotees to Mandi town. Celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva, this week-long fair begins on the day of Shivratri in February or March. Known as the "Mahakumbh of the Hills," the fair showcases over 200 deities from the surrounding regions, carried in colourful processions. Devotees engage in rituals, prayers, and cultural performances, creating an atmosphere of devotion and festivity. The event also features folk dances, music, and traditional fairs, offering a glimpse into the local culture. Visitors can explore local arts and crafts at various stalls while experiencing the spiritual fervour that defines the Mandi Shivratri Fair.

The Kasol Music Festival is a contemporary celebration in Himachal Pradesh, held annually in the serene village of Kasol. Although it differs from traditional festivals celebrated in Himachal Pradesh, it has gained popularity among music enthusiasts. Held in December, the festival attracts young travellers and music lovers from across the country. With live performances by renowned DJs and artists, it offers a mix of electronic, trance, and psychedelic music. The natural backdrop of the Parvati Valley adds a magical touch to the event, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The festival is also an opportunity to explore the local culture, taste traditional Himachali food, and connect with like-minded travellers in a picturesque setting.

The La Darcha Fair is a traditional trade fair that stands out among the festivals celebrated in Himachal Pradesh, especially in the Spiti Valley. Historically, it was a significant trading event where merchants from Tibet, Ladakh, and Kinnaur gathered to exchange goods. Today, it continues to celebrate cultural exchanges between communities. Held in August, the fair includes traditional dance, music, and exhibitions of local handicrafts. The event showcases Spiti's unique heritage, offering a glimpse into the region’s customs and traditions. Visitors can explore stalls selling local produce, textiles, and artefacts while enjoying the scenic mountain landscapes. The La Darcha Fair is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic experience of the region's vibrant history and culture.

The Phulaich Festival is a traditional Himachal Pradesh festivals name celebrated in the beautiful region of Kinnaur. It takes place during the blooming season, usually in September, when villagers gather to pay tribute to local deities. Known as the "Festival of Flowers," it involves offering freshly picked flowers to the gods, followed by music, dance, and vibrant cultural displays. Locals dress in colourful attire and participate in rituals that reflect their deep connection with nature. The Phulaich Festival is a unique opportunity to witness Kinnaur's heritage and is a key event in the cultural calendar of Himachal Pradesh. It beautifully captures the community spirit and devotion that define life in this picturesque region.

The Himachal Hills Festival is an exciting cultural event that brings together the essence of various Himachal Pradesh festivals name. This festival showcases the rich traditions, folk music, and dance forms from across the state, offering a lively atmosphere. Local artisans set up stalls displaying handicrafts, textiles, and traditional artworks, giving visitors a chance to explore the artistic heritage of Himachal. The event also includes food stalls serving delicious Himachali cuisine, making it a feast for the senses. Held in different towns each year, the Himachal Hills Festival is an opportunity to dive into the vibrant culture and celebrate the traditions of Himachal Pradesh amidst the stunning backdrop of the hills.

The Sair Festival is an ancient Himachal Pradesh festivals name celebrated with great enthusiasm in regions like Mandi, Shimla, and Solan. This festival marks the end of the monsoon season and the arrival of autumn, symbolising a fresh start for the agricultural cycle. During the Sair Festival, families come together to perform rituals, exchange sweets, and enjoy traditional dances. The event also includes local fairs, where villagers showcase their crafts and produce. The festival is filled with folk music, vibrant dances, and a sense of community. It’s a beautiful way to experience the traditions of Himachal Pradesh, offering an insight into the local customs that have been passed down through generations.

The Pori Festival is a significant Himachal Pradesh festivals name observed in the scenic Lahaul and Spiti regions. Celebrated in August, it is dedicated to the local deity and involves a grand procession led by the village head riding a horse. Villagers gather at the monastery to offer prayers, sing folk songs, and perform traditional dances. The festival is marked by rituals that showcase the spiritual connection between the community and their gods. Pori Festival also features communal feasts, where locals share meals as a symbol of unity. It provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Lahaul, offering visitors an authentic experience of the region’s deep-rooted traditions.

The Minjar Fair is one of the most celebrated festivals in Himachal Pradesh, held in the town of Chamba during July-August. It marks the end of the monsoon sowing season and pays homage to the river Ravi. The fair is characterised by colourful processions, where people dress in traditional attire and offer silk tassels, called Minjar, to the river. Music, dance, and local cuisine create a vibrant atmosphere throughout the town. The main attraction is the immersion ceremony, where offerings are carried to the river in a grand procession. This week-long event provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Chamba, making it a significant attraction for tourists and locals alike.

The Ice Skating Carnival in Shimla is a winter delight and a highlight among festivals in Himachal Pradesh. Held every December to February, it’s the only open-air natural ice-skating rink in Asia. The carnival attracts skaters and tourists from across India, offering an opportunity to glide on ice amidst the breathtaking Himalayan scenery. The event features various skating competitions, cultural programs, and fancy dress shows, making it a fun-filled experience for all ages. With music, dance, and a festive atmosphere, the Ice Skating Carnival is a must-visit for winter sports enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy Shimla's charm in the snow. It truly showcases the winter magic of the region.

The International Himalayan Festival is a cultural extravaganza and a renowned festival in Himachal Pradesh, held annually in December in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala. This festival celebrates the visit of the Dalai Lama to India and promotes Tibetan and Himachali culture. It features traditional dance performances, music, handicrafts, and delicious local cuisine, drawing tourists from around the world. The event showcases the harmonious blend of Tibetan and Himachali traditions, offering a unique cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy local art exhibits, folk music and can engage with local communities. The International Himalayan Festival serves as a platform for cultural exchange and is a testament to the unity and rich heritage of the region.

The Naina Devi Fair, one of the spiritual festivals in Himachal Pradesh, is celebrated at the revered Naina Devi Temple in Bilaspur. It takes place during Shravan Ashtami in July-August, attracting devotees from far and wide. The fair is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, and people gather to seek blessings and participate in religious rituals. The atmosphere is filled with devotional songs, offerings, and a bustling market selling local handicrafts and food. The fair also features traditional dance and music performances, adding a festive spirit. The scenic location of the temple atop a hill enhances the experience, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Gobind Sagar Lake.