Introduction

Himachal Pradesh has earned a reputation as a place with quiet mountains, beautiful nature, and vibrant culture with colorful customs. This Himalayan state never ceases to amaze people with its spiritual and folk heritage, music, dance, and overall community spirit through festivals and fairs that are held all the time.

Every festival in Himachal, from the vastness of Kullu Dussehra to the allure of Minjar Fair and the trading legacy of Lavi Fair, narrates a distinct tale—of faith, peace, and merriment.

At Lock Your Trip, we present to you the definitive Himachal Pradesh Festivals and Fairs Calendar so that you can organize your trip around these culture-filled celebrations and get to know the real soul of the mountains.

The Biggest Festivals and Fairs of Himachal Pradesh

 

1. Halda Festival – Lahaul & Spiti (January)

The Halda Festival, observed by the Buddhist population of Lahaul and Spiti, signifies the commencement of the New Year. The residents ignite cedar wood torches as a tribute to the goddess of affluence, Shashikar Apa, appearing to the deity and ruler of the woodlands, trine spirits, and the people in terms of vitality and fortune.

Main Attractions: Bonfires, cigarette dances, and essential rituals under the winter sky.

 

2. Lohri Festival – Across Himachal (January)

Just like the rest of North India, Lohri is celebrated with enthusiasm all over Himachal. People huddle around fires, sing local songs, and eat traditional goodies like rewri, gajak, and peanuts to signal the end of the harvest.

Main Attractions: Bonfires, community gatherings, and local Himachali sweets.

3. Winter Carnival – Manali (January)

The festival of the winter carnival in Manali is one of the best things happening in Himachal, bringing with it skiing competitions, food stalls, and parades. The event is all about skiing and celebration.

Highlights: Snow sports, local cuisine, and folk dance performances.

4. Shivratri Fair – Mandi (February–March)

The Mandi Shivratri Fair, which has been going on for more than 500 years, is the largest celebration among the religious festivals of Himachal Pradesh. The local deities of hundreds are carried in the processions to the town of Mandi to pay tribute to Lord Shiva.

Highlights: Processions, traditional music, and temple rituals.

5. Holi Festival – Palampur & Sujanpur Tira (March)

Holi, which is popularly known as the festival of colors, gets its unique and special touch in Himachal, especially in Palampur and Sujanpur Tira. The locals celebrate the event with traditional music, dances, and a feast for the community.

Highlights: Colors, drums, and festive parades.

6. Chaitra Fair – Una (March–April)

The Chaitra Fair, which is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Chintpurni, draws thousands of pilgrims every year. The fair marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is celebrated with singing and local bazaars.

Highlights: Religious rituals, folk music, and temple visits.

7. Baisakhi Festival – Kangra & Solan (April)

The festival of Baisakhi marks the end of the harvest season; thus, it is celebrated with a lot of dancing, fairs, and processions. In Kangra, it is celebrated near the temples with prayers and festivities.

Highlights: Folk dances, local fairs, and temple ceremonies.

8. Summer Festival – Shimla (May–June)

The Summer Festival is the opening ceremony of the new tourist season that takes place every year in the Ridge area of Shimla, mixing together different cultures through a variety of programs, flower shows, food stalls, and live performances. Highlights: Music concerts, crafts exhibitions, and folk dances of Himachal Pradesh.

 

9. Sipi Fair – Mashobra (June)

The Sipi Fair that comes off, i.e., near Shimla, is a very old fair that is dedicated to the local deity Sipi. It has cultural shows, traditional games, and village festivities. Highlights: Folk performances and rural celebration.

 

10. Minjar Fair – Chamba (July–August)

The Minjar Fair is considered one of the most prominent and vivid festivals of Himachal Pradesh and is marked by the maize harvesting in Chamba. The river procession where people throw Minjar (maize flowers) into the Ravi River is the spotlight. Highlights: River rituals, processions, and a week of festivities.

 

11. Phulaich Festival – Kinnaur (September)

Phulaich, which translates as the Festival of Flowers, is celebrated in Kinnaur for storing the ancestors’ spirits and the completion of harvesting. When the men and women of the village gather for the prayers, they thus decorate their houses with flowers, dance, and offer prayers for prosperity.

 Highlights: Floral decorations, wine, and folk music.

12. 
    Kullu Dussehra – Kullu Valley (October)

The Kullu Dussehra festival is not only one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the country and the most recognized, but it also has a very special Himachali flavor.The procession with more than 200 local deities visiting Lord Raghunath to pay their respects is one of the major attractions. 

Highlights: Grand processions, cultural performances, and local crafts.

 

13. Lavi Fair – Rampur Bushahr (November)

The Lavi Fair in Rampur, which was once an international trade fair between India and Tibet, is still a major event that attracts both traders and tourists. It presents Himachal’s culture through its handicrafts, exhibitions, and folk traditions.

Highlights: Handicrafts, woolen goods, and cultural programs.

 

14. Renuka Fair – Sirmaur (November)

It is a fair held in Renuka Lake that is dedicated to the Goddess Renuka, who is the mother of Lord Parshuram. The devotees, in colorful processions carrying the idols, have rituals, singing, and local markets behind them.

Highlights: Religious procession, boating, and cultural events.

 

15. Diwali Festival – Across Himachal (October–November)

The festival of Diwali in Himachal is marked with rituals at the temples, local fairs, lights, and communal feasts. Traditional folk performances and processions are common in Kullu and Mandi and give the places a local charm.

Highlights: Lamps, sweets, folk music, and fireworks.

Why Experience Himachal’s Festivals?

• Be a part of the lively local music, dances, and costumes.
• Feel the kindness of the people of Himachal Pradesh
• Be a witness to and participate in temple rituals and the spiritual ways of life
• Eat the real local dishes and the sweets for the festival.
• See handicrafts, fairs, and the mountain culture

Every celebration presents a chance to see a little of Himachal’s rich culture, with nature, religion, and happiness all perfectly mixed.

Why Pick Lock Your Trip for the Festival Tours?

• Itineraries built around the biggest Himachali festivals
• Live local guides for genuine cultural understanding
• Great accommodations near major events
• Cultural walks, traditional music, and food tours
• Travel support available 24/7 for uninterrupted, deep experiences

You will not only visit Himachal Pradesh as a destination but also experience it as a living and breathing culture with Lock Your Trip.

Himalaya Pradesh Festivals—FAQs

Q1. What is the most celebrated festival of Himachal Pradesh?

Kullu Dussehra is the most celebrated festival, which invites large processions and cultural performances.

Q2. When is the Minjar Fair held?

The Minjar Fair is celebrated in July or August in Chamba, and it is a maize harvest celebration.

Q3. What is the oldest fair in Himachal Pradesh?

The Lavi Fair in Rampur Bushahr is among the oldest fairs, and its history can be traced back to the 17th century.

Q4. Do the festivals in Himachal Pradesh allow tourists?

Absolutely! Tourists get the warmest welcome and can take part in most activities of the program and fairs.

Q5. How can I go about planning a trip around the festivals of Himachal?

Book with Lock Your Trip, as we have specially curated packages that are in line with festival dates and events around the area.

Conclusion

Himachal Pradesh’s festivals and fairs are not mere happenings—they are an ecstatic experience of culture and tradition under the watchful eye of the mighty Himalayas. The whole state dances to the lively beat and togetherness of the community during each celebration, ranging from ancient rites through glowing music to colorful fairs.

Design your trip to Himachal with Lock Your Trip according to its famous festivals, and immerse yourself in a place of heritage, festivity, and warm hospitality.

Meet Himachal Pradesh—where each month has its own celebration!