Faire & Festivals

Manali, the ancient hill station in Himachal Pradesh, is not just known for its natural beauty and adventure activities, but also for its rich culture and traditions. The locals residing in Manali celebrate a number of festivals throughout the year, which offer a glimpse into the vibrant culture of this place. If you are planning a trip to Manali, make sure to visit during one of these festivals:

Kullu Dussehra (October): Kullu Dussehra is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Manali. It is a week-long festival that starts on Vijayadashami and ends on the full moon day (Sharad Purnima). The festival is celebrated to commemorate Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. During this festival, the entire town of Kullu comes alive with music, dance, and processions.

Winter Carnival (January): The Winter Carnival is a popular festival celebrated in Manali in the month of January. The festival is celebrated to promote tourism in the region and to showcase the local culture and traditions. During the festival, you can enjoy various cultural programs, adventure sports, and traditional food.

Baisakhi (April): Baisakhi is a popular festival celebrated in Manali in the month of April. The festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of the Sikh New Year and the harvest season. The locals dress up in colorful traditional attire and perform the famous “Gidda” dance.

Phagli: Phagli is a traditional festival celebrated in the Kullu Valley in the month of February. It is celebrated to mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring. During the festival, the locals perform traditional dance and music, and enjoy feasting and drinking.

Sazo: Sazo is a popular festival celebrated in the Manali region to mark the start of the sowing season. The festival is celebrated in the month of April and is a time for the farmers to seek blessings for a good harvest. During the festival, the locals perform traditional dance and music and offer prayers to the local deities.

In conclusion, Manali is not just a beautiful hill station, but also a place where you can experience the rich culture and traditions of the locals. Make sure to plan your trip around one of these festivals to make your visit to Manali even more memorable.