Himachal Tourist Guide

In an area where entertainment and recreation were once confined to what could be created within the community and its geographical parameters and given rich cultural and religious tradition of the area Kinnaur has some fascinating fairs and festivals. There are some 360 that may be counted. Most are private family or community affairs but there are many that visitors can observe or even participate in. Often enough, these are enlivened by dances and folk music.

Beesh : Better known as 'Baisakhi' in the rest of the north India, this festival comes in April/may every year on the first day of the month of Baisakh – the date varies, but is normally around the 13^th April. Special foods are prepared, the deities are taken out of their temples and a small fair is usually held in every village.

Phulaich /Flaich or Ookhayang :

Perhaps the most unusual of Kinnaur’s festivals – and certainly its most charming, this among other things, commemorates the end of summer and the onset of winter. While Kalpa has the most vibrant celebrations, the festival carries its colors to every part of the district – including the Sangla Valley. Every village sends out its members to collect flowers from the hillsides and these are then gathered in the village square. It is a time of festivities and traditional dances. This is normally celebrated in September-October. This festival is unique in tradition and is celebrated as the flower festival. The Rajput people of the village sing and dance during the festival. They also worship the village deity on the third day of the festival, by bedecking him/her with all the finery along with the numerous flowers

•  Kinnaur
•  History and Culture
•  Destinations and Attractions
•  Sangla Valley
•  Recong Peo, Kalpa and Beyond
•  Other Valleys and Destinations
•  Fishing
•  Fast Facts
•  Accommodation
•  Important Distances
•  Events and Festivals
•  Shopping
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