According to PIB, during the winters the Road normally remains closed for over 160-180 days in a year, but this time Project Deepak of BRO has opened the road in 117 days, as the last convoy had moved on 29 Nov 2021. The early opening is more creditable due to the fact that this year the region witnessed an exponential increase in snowfall as compared to last year. The BRO adopted a two-prong approach, with the simultaneous deployment of snow clearance teams from two sides, one from Patsio to Baralacha La and the second from Sarchu to Baralacha La.

During winters, Sarchu remains cut off from the rest of the country. To achieve success and early opening of the pass, and the road, aerial induction of the snow clearance team was undertaken on 05 March 2022 from Sarchu.

In the initial days, as a precautionary measure, the road will be opened only for movement of Army logistics convoys, for delivery of essential supplies for troops deployed in forwarding areas. Movement of all traffic will commence in the near future, on approval from the Civil Administration.

Kullu Dussehra

Kullu Dussehra is one of the most popular festivals in Himachal Pradesh which is much differently celebrated elsewhere in the country. In the month of October, an ostentatious fair is organized in Dhalpur Maidan in Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh. This fair has always been the attraction point for a number of tourists. Kullu Dussehra celebration starts on VijyaDashmi and continues for one week.  It’s a perfect blend of folk music with the traditional dance showing love and respect to their culture. Kullu Dussehra is one of the mega festivals of Himachal Pradesh that attracts a number of tourists every year.

Naina Devi Fair

Naina Devi is one of the awaited fair in Himachal Pradesh celebrated at Naina Devi Temple in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh. This arrangement of the fair is done in the month of August.

Losar

Tibetan culture is strongly felt in some parts of Himachal Pradesh and Dharamshala is one of those places. Losar festival is a celebration of the ‘new year’ according to the Tibetan Calendar. The enthusiasm and zeal of the people add one more star in the celebration of the Losar festival. The festival is one way of the local people to celebrate their unique culture. The motive of the festival is to attract happiness and prosperity. The celebration of the Losar festival is continued for 15 days. A number of music performances and dance are organized and various traditional customs are also showcased in the Losar festival.

Nalwari fair

Nalwari fair is one of the famous state fairs of Himachal Pradesh. The Nalwari Fair is seven days long fair organized in Bilaspur town of Himachal Pradesh.  If you want to see a glimpse of the rich art & culture of the Bilaspur then attend this Nalwari fair. Different local items, trade of cattle, and other fun activities are organized in this fair.

Halda Festival

Halda is one of the most popular festivals of Himachal Pradesh which has resemblance with Diwali. It is celebrated on MaghaPurnima in Lahul. The festival is organized in the month of January every year by the lamas. The grand carnival is celebrated for 2 days. The people full of zeal and fervor gathers to celebrate the Halda festival. A magnificent bonfire is one of the main attractions of the festival that resembles the solidarity of the people. The festival will offer you very beautiful and sweet memories that you always going to cherish in your life.

Sazo Festival

Sazo, one of the awaited festivals of Himachal Pradesh is celebrated in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The people hold a belief that during this period, the deities go back to heaven for a short period of time. The people on this sacred occasion take baths in hot springs or Satluj River. The people perform all customs and traditions with so much zeal. The festival holds value in the life of people as it is their way to give respect and honor to the god and goddesses. The Sazo festival is organized every year in the month of January.

Holi Fair

Holi, the festival of colors is one of the famous festivals in Himachal Pradesh. But in Himachal Pradesh, a special Holi fair is also planned in the month of March every year. Holimela of Sujanpur district is the most famous one. In the land of gods as the name given to Himachal Pradesh, the Holi fair hold its own uniqueness and charm. The celebration is continued for a whole week. Entertaining Games, mesmerizing dance with folk music, and other business activities are organized in the fair.

Minjar Fair

Minjar is one of the most popular fairs of Himachal Pradesh attended by a number of people from all over the country. The Minjar fair is organized in Chamba district particularly in a place called ‘chowgan’ of Himachal Pradesh and has been declared as State Fair. The fair continued for a week. Mijar festival is basically an agricultural festival that is celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm.

Lavi Fair

Lavi fair is also known as internationalLavi fair which is being celebrated for centuries. Lavi fair is one of the most popular fair. The Lavi fair is continued for 4 days. The fair shows the unique legacy of the rich culture and history of Himachal Pradesh. The fair is organised in Rampur district of Shimla in month of October or November. It is also organised to increase business activity among locals.

Shivratri Fair

Shivratri fair is one of the popular known national fairs of Himachal Pradesh. Shivratri Fair is organized in The Mandi Town of Himachal Pradesh. The celebration of the fair continued for seven days. The fair is organized every year on the 13^th night of Krishna Paksha with much zeal where devotees perform their religious rituals. This fair holds a great value in the hearts of the people of Himachal Pradesh as Lord Shiva is the chief deity of the Himachal Pradesh. This fair offers you a great experience of spirituality that you are never going to forget.

Tara Devi Temple Fair

Tara Devi temple is located on a hill, around 11 km away from main Shimla.Tara Devi fair is one of the popular fair among people of north India. It isorganised by the local people in the name of “Tara Maa”. It is celebrated in the month of September. This fair is one the attraction point for the devotees in Himachal Pradesh.

Renuka Fair

Renuka fair is one of the most famous state fair organized in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The celebration is started after 10 days of Diwali and continued for six days. The people believe that at this time the Parshuram, sixth incarnation of the Lord Vishnu comes to visit his mother Renuka every year. Folk dances, music, games, and shows are organized and the Himachali culture is at a peak during this Fair.

Also read: Places to see in Himachal Pradesh

Let us know about the culture, Art, and people of Himachal Pradesh.

People and culture of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is inhabited by majorly Hindus which includes different communities such as Brahmins, Rajputs, Choudhary, Kannets, Rathis, and Kolis. Himachal Pradesh is also the home of many communities of tribal people such as Gaddis, Kinnarms, Gujjars, and Pangawals, etc. 

People of Himachal Pradesh are proud of their culture and embrace it very well. You can see people wearing their ethnic dresses resembling their tradition for example Brahmins can be seen wearing their dhoti, kurta, and turban with hand towels. Himachali topi is an identity of being Himachali. Although the people have started wearing western clothes still the culture is preserved in the hearts of every Himachali.

Hindi is the official state language of Himachal Pradesh but people of Himachal Pradesh speak a number of different languages. The majority of the population is dependent on the agriculture sector but now the engagement of people is increased in the tertiary sector.

Art and crafts of Himachal Pradesh

 It seems like people of Himachal Pradesh have not only inherited their traditions but also the art of nurturing their talent in every possible way. Himachal Pradesh is famous for its Handicrafts. The lovers of Pashmina shawl found in Himachal are all over the world. Himachali Topi a symbol of the culture of Himachal Pradesh which resembles the simplicity of culture in a very graceful way.

In business, carpentry and pottery people are actively engaged. Here you can purchase no. of products made up of bamboo such as sofas, chairs, baskets, and metalwork such as utensils, silver jewelry, vessels, etc. which shows the perfection of craftsman of Himachal Pradesh. Nature has provided abundant natural resources to the people of Himachal Pradesh which they have received hand folded and maintained its elegance.

Music and Dance of Himachal Pradesh

Music and dance of a place resemble the ethnicity and the culture of that place so does the Himachal Pradesh dance and music. The music and dance is also a way of the indigenous people to connect to their god. You cannot bind the art of music and dance to one specific area that’s what the case in Himachal Pradesh. In Himachal Pradesh, no. of dance forms prevail in different areas such as Dangi of Chamba region, Gee, and Burah dance of Sirmour region, Naati, Kharait, Ujagjama, and Chadhgebrikar of  Kullu region which is adored by people all over the country. These dance forms play a vital role in the life of tribal people. The variedness and complexity of dance show the novelty and faith of people toward their culture and tradition.

There is no classical form of music but folk music is mostly preferred by the Himachal people. Music and Dance of Himachal Pradesh have always been the high point of attraction for tourist who wants to know about the culture and tradition of people here.

Fairs and festivals of Himachal Pradesh

Although every day in Himachal Pradesh is like attending the festival of nature, there are fair and festivals which the Himachali people celebrate. In these festivals and fairs, you can witness how much the people of Himachal Pradesh adorn their culture that they have inherited from their ancestors. People wear colorful dresses and accessories resembling their culture in pristine form actively participate in these fairs and festivals.

Some of the common festivals are KulluDussehra, Rakhiri (rakhi), Shivratri Fair, ShooliniMela, Sazo Festival, Minjar Fair, Mani Mahesh ChhariYatra, Renukafair, Lavi Trade Fair.

Cuisine of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is not only known for its natural beauty but for its taste of food also. Himachal Pradesh is situated in the northern part of India which is why its food is similar to other northern states. But there are some dishes which will make your heart flutter. Some of the most famous dishes are Dham, Mittha, Sidu, Chana Madra Mash Daal, etc. These dishes have their own taste and relevance in the culture of Himachal Pradesh. Although there is a lack of availability of vegetables due to cold terrain, the food of Himachal Pradesh is the perfect blend of the species and the love people have in their hearts for their ethnic food.

The harmony with which diversity prevails in the culture of the people of Himachal has once again proved that the Indian subcontinent has “the unity that absorbs diversity”.

In 1864, this place was declared the summer capital of British India. This picturesque hilly area attracts various tourists. Tourists can enjoy breathtaking views of this mountain range from the ridge, a sprawling open area that links Lakkar Bazaar and Scandal Point. It is bounded by Mandi and Kullu in the north, Kinnaur in the east, Uttranchal State in the south. All the natural gifts received by Shimla are a blessing; this place is surrounded by lush green mountains and snowy peaks. Surrounded by greenery that relaxes the mind, Shimla is also called the city of seven hills.

There are so many places in and around Shimla that can be pleasing to anyone’s mind. But there are some places which are very pleasing to the tourists visiting here.

Jakhu Temple:

This is the temple of Lord Hanuman situated on Jakhu Hill, the highest hill in Shimla. From here the entire Shimla city and surrounding areas are visible. The Koteshwar temple of Lord Shiva is also famous here.

The Ridge:

The Ridge located in Shimla is a large and open road which is located along the Mall Road. The most special thing about The Ridge is that this place was the most special place to stay during the British era during summer. There are also many cafes, bars, boutiques, shops and restaurants on the road which attract a huge crowd.

Mall Road:

Mall Road is a place in Shimla located under the ridge which is full of many shops, cafes, restaurants, book shops, and many tourist attractions. Mall Road is located in the center of Shimla, and it is a famous tourist attraction point.

Shimla-Kalka Rail

Shimla Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with being a hill railway station of India. This railroad was built in 1898 by the British along with other railway lines of India to Shimla. It runs from Kalka (a town in Haryana) to Shimla and passes through many special places along with many tourist spots like Summer Hill, Solan.

Kufri is a place located 17 km from Shimla which attracts a lot of tourists visiting here. Located at an altitude of 2510 meters and situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, this hill station is very much liked by nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Shimla has beautiful weather in most months of the year. Tourists visiting Shimla can visit Shimla at any time of the year, but the summer/spring and winter seasons are considered the best time to visit Shimla. The monsoon starts in July and lasts till September. The temperature of Shimla is around 20 degree Celsius during spring-summer (March to June). During winters (November to February), the weather is quite pleasant, which is famous for experiencing snowfall and being covered with snow.

Kasol is getting popularity because of its adrenaline-rushing adventurous trekking along the river Parvati, Kheerganga, Manikaran, and Malana. Get the panoramic and picturesque views of mighty snowy mountains, waterfalls, waters of the Parvati river, blue sky and cafes while trekking to the Kheerganga and Malana. Malana is famous for its cultivation of Malana cream.

It’s a place where a traveller can experience thrilling adventure activities or can just lay back and unwind in the lap of nature as this offbeat destination has a lot to offer. The music festival at the end of the year attracts most tourists from all over.

Reaching Kasol is easy as it is accessible through Rail, Road, and Airways. The nearest Airport and Railway station are Bhuntar Airport and Joginder Nagar railway station respectively. Kasol can be explored at any time of the year as it has a pleasant climate all around the year.

Another adventurous activity that allure is snow skiing. Kufri is termed as the winter sports capital of Shimla. Hundreds of skiers flocked to the place during mid- December to early February.

Mahasu peak is the highest peak in Kufri which can only travel on horse/mule. For the wildlife enthusiast, Himalayan National Park is the hotspot where one can witness more than a hundred species of birds and animals.

One unique thing to do in Kufri is a Yak ride. Tourists can visit beautiful landscapes and snow covered mountains while traveling on Yaks.

The best time to visit Kufri is from December to March when snowfall occurs at its peak. Those who want to enjoy winter sports and snow skiing must visit during these months. But if you have to feel the cool breeze and want to get rid of the scorching summer of plains, one can visit during summers in the months April to June.

Another eye capturing place is Satdhara Falls. ‘Satdhara’ means seven springs, it’s waterfall that brings together the waters of the seven beautiful springs. It is believed that water of this place has some medicinal properties which can cure skin problems and in local language it is termed as Gandhak.

Panchpula is famous for trekking. Dainkund peak, the highest point in Dalhousie also known as singing hill because as one make his way upwards, he can hear the gentle breeze passing through the trees making a musical sound.

Other major attractions in Dalhousie are Lakshmi Narayan temple, kalatop khajjiar Sanctuary, churches, camping, shopping, river rafting etc.

Dalhousie has a very pleasant climate. One can visit Dalhousie during March to June. Temperature begins to rise in the month of June. The summer months experience nice weather throughout, thus making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. Moonsons are even more beautiful and increase the charm of the place.

Rohtang valley or Rohtang pass is the most visited tourist place in Manali. It is famous tourist place for nature lovers, photographers and adventure lovers. Motor biking is an exhilarating experience to do.

On the way to Rohatng from Manali, a beautiful valley called Solang valley falls. It is an adventure lover site which offers paragliding, horse riding, zorbing etc. In winters, valley is covered with Ice, then skiing being the main sport activity.

Apart from picturesque view, Manali has mythological monuments too. Hidimba temple is one of the famous shrine of Manali. Hidimba is believed to be the wife of Bhima and mother of Ghatothkach and temple is dedicated to her.

Other famous temple in Manali is Manu temple which is dedicated to sage Manu. It is located in the beas river valley.

Vashisht Hot Water Springs: 3 km away from the manali, a small village known as Vashisht, have natural sulphur springs that are considered to have medicinal properties.

Jogini Falls, Monasteries, old Manali, Jana waterfall, manikaran, the great Himalayan National park and many more awe-inspiring sites are there that attracts tourists to Manali.

Manali attracts lot of tourists throughout the year but best time to visit the place is in summers. To get the rid of scorching summer heat of plains, people of north India mostly prefer to visit Manali. From March to June is the time to visit Manali. To enjoy the snowfall, one should visit the place during winters.