The 13th April - Baisakhi is one of Himachal's most important festivals. Rooted in the rural agrarian tradition, it bids a final farewell to winter. At Tattapani near Shimla, at the Rewalsar and Prashar lakes near Mandi, people take purifying dips in the water. Numerous village fairs complete with wrestling, dancing and archery are also held on this day. In Kinnaur, the festivals is known as Beesh and is also the time when the deities are taken out of their temples.
In April, Rali with its clay models is marked in Kangra. Legend has it that the beautiful Rali was married against there wishes and on the way to her husband's home, she leapt into a stream. The husband jumped in after her and trying to save both, Rali's brother also dived into the fast flowing water. All three died. Today, clay models are made in every house to mark that day, while unmarried girls pray for grooms of their choice and the newly-wedded askfor happiness and prosperity.
At Chamba, the Sui Mela is thronged by women and children and at the village of Taraur, in district Mandi, the Mahu Nag fair is held. The holy Markandaya fair is held near Bilaspur and the Rohru Jatar is held in honour of the deity, Shikru. This is also the time when angling and low altitude trekking raise their winter barriers. The Spring Festival is celebrated in Kullu from April 28 to 30.
