Festivals in Kullu & Manali
Kullu Dussehra (October)
Most famous festival in Kullu
Location: Dhalpur Ground, Kullu
- Celebrates Lord Raghunath (Kullu’s presiding deity) with a massive procession.
- Over 200 local deities are brought in palanquins.
- Folk music, dance, and local handicraft exhibitions.
- A week-long grand celebration that attracts thousands of tourists.
Winter Carnival, Manali (January)
Location: Mall Road, Manali
Best festival for adventure lovers & cultural enthusiasts
- Showcases Himachali folk dance, music, and winter sports like skiing & snowboarding.
- Local food stalls, beauty pageants, and craft exhibitions.
- Held every year to promote tourism during snowfall season.
Doongri Festival (May)
Location: Hadimba Devi Temple, Manali
- Celebrates the birthday of Hadimba Devi (wife of Bhima from Mahabharata).
- Traditional Himachali Nati dance, fairs, and rituals take place.
- Local artisans sell handicrafts and woolen clothes.
- Pipal Jatra / Spring Festival (April)
Location: Kullu
- Marks the arrival of spring with folk dances, fairs, and cultural performances.
- Local deities are honored with rituals.
- A great time to experience Himachali traditions.
Fagli Festival (February/March)
Location: Kullu & nearby villages
- A traditional Himachali festival celebrated after winter.
- People dress in masks, perform folk dances, and light bonfires.
- It symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
Sazo Festival (January)
Location: Villages near Kullu
- A spiritual festival where locals believe gods return to heaven.
- Prayers, music, and traditional pujas are performed.
Lavi Fair (November)
Location: Rampur (near Kullu)
- One of Himachal’s oldest trade fairs.
- Traders from across India sell handicrafts, woolens, dry fruits, and horses.
