Manali Fair Festivals

Manali Fair Festivals is an idyllic hill station whose stunning views attract droves of tourists all round the year. The cultural extravaganzas of the panoramic valley are manifested in the numerous Manali fairs and festivals. One of India's widely celebrated festivals, Dussehra is celebrated with tremendous pomp and grandeur to mark the triumph of good over evil. The celebrations of the festival, where effigies of the diabolic emperor Ravana are burnt to pay a tribute to Lord Rama's victory, has an added flavor in Manali valley. The week long ceremony is a fusion of the cultural attributes and religious fervor.

Another celebrated festival is the Pipal Jatra or the Vasantotsava that commences on the 16th day of Baisakh, meaning summer in the Indian calender. The fairgrounds of Kullu's Dhalpur host this carnival where song and dance shows and colorful stalls provide the enjoyment quotient. Shamshi Virshu is yet another significant festival that is celebrated on the 13th of April. The fair is essentially endowed with a religious and mythological character. The local inhabitants gather at the congregation spot of the erstwhile hermits and sages who flock to worship the local goddess. Another highlight of the Manali fairs and festivals, the Mela Bhuntar is a three day long gala affair celebrated in the hamlet of Bhunter. The festival started at the initiative of Devta of the ilaqua Suraj Pal and is primarily celebrated to thank the benevolent deities for their benediction, owing to which a flourishing harvest is obtained.

Hadimba Devi Fair :
Hadimba deviThe famous Hadimba Devi Temple hosts the famous Hadimba Devi Fair also known as Doongri fair in the months of May to celebrate the birthday of Hadimba, the wife of Bhima. Hadimba Devi fair is a famous highlight of Manali, which showcases various folk dance and music performances by the local artists. The fair is held in the temple premises itself and numerous devotees visit the temple during this time and pay their offerings before the goddess.

Doongri forest festival :
Kullu- Manali Dussehra is a famous festival that draws in tourists & backpackers from various parts of the world. The festival usually starts after the Dussehra celebrations in rest parts of the country comes to an end and is noted for its unlikeness to the celebrations that take place elsewhere.

Winter Carnival :
Manali Winter Carnival is a famous 5 day festival held at Manu Kala Kendra. The colorful festival comprises cultural competitions, cultural shows and performances by artists from various parts of the state and others states as well. It is the best time to enjoy the snowy beauty of the region and enjoy winter sport activities.

Spring Festivals :
Spring Festivals Spring Festivals is a festival that celebrates the onset of the spring season. Popularly known as “Basantotsava”, the festival is celebrated with great pomp and show in April. On this day, schools, colleges and offices generally remain closed.

Lohri :
Lohri is one of the most famed festivals celebrated in January. It marks the beginning of the best time to harvest Rabi crop. On this auspicious people perform pooja, lit bonfires and dance at night.

Baisakhi :
BaisakhiBaisakhi is another famous harvest festival of Himachal Pradesh that is celebrated with great pomp and show. On this festival fairs take place and wrestling, dancing and archery competitions along with other fun activities and shows are hosted.

Dussehra :
Kullu- Manali Dussehra is a famous festival that draws in tourists & backpackers from various parts of the world. The festival usually starts after the Dussehra celebrations in rest parts of the country comes to an end and is noted for its unlikeness to the celebrations that take place elsewhere.