Culture of Himachal Pradesh

The culture of Himachal Pradesh is extremely rich, which is reflected in the day-to-day lives of the local people. Noted for their colorful dresses and distinguished physical characters, the people of Himachal Pradesh exhibit a very warm and friendly nature and the ‘untouched’ simplicity which constitute an integral part of the beautiful Culture of Himachal Pradesh

Around 90% of the population of Himachal Pradesh comprises of Hindus. But in some areas there is a majority of Buddhist and Tibetan population, thanks mainly to the nearness of the state to Tibet. The main Hindu communities are the Brahmins, Rajputs, Kannets, Rathis and Kolis. The state also boasts of a large tribal population comprising tribes like Gaddis, Kinnars, Gujjars, Pangawals and Lahaulis. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood in the state, though many people earn a living by rearing goats, sheep and other cattle.

The culture of Himachal Pradesh is also evident from the languages spoken in the state. Though Hindi is the state language, Pahari – a deviation of Sanskrit and Prakrit is spoken by many people in Himachal. There are many tribal dialetic spoken in Himachal Pradesh too – including Chambyali, Pangwali, Lahauli, Kinnauri and other variety of
The typical house in Himachal Pradesh is constructed of clay bricks, with roofs being made of slate. In the traditional villages, the lowest storey is used for household cattle, the middle for storing grain, and the top floor forms the living area in most of the houses .

Hinduism is the main religion in Himachal Pradesh. The region being nestled in the Himalayas – the abode of the Hindu God Shiva and Goddess Parvati – there are numerous temples of Shiva and Parvati scattered all around the way.

Another interesting aspect of the culture of Himachal Pradesh is the endless succession of fairs and festivals celebrated in the region. The main festivals are Holi, Dussehra and Diwali, but numerous local festivals are also celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Himachal Pradesh is also widely renowned for the beautiful handicraft items produced over here. The carpets, leather works, shawls, paintings, metal ware, copper work, woodwork and paintings of the land are all evocative of the rich culture of Himachal Pradesh. The much-sought-after ‘Pashmina Shawl’ is one of the most beautiful handicraft product of the state.

Music and dance form an instinctive part of the Culture of the people of Himachal Pradesh. These arts form vary from tribe to tribe. Every tribe of this state has their own form of entertainment and folklore to cherish. They are very important to the Cultural and social Life of Himachal Pradesh. Most of this art form revolves around religion. Dangee, Gee Dance and Bura Dance are some of the most important dance forms of this region. Naati, Kharait and Shunto are also famous.

The oral tradition of the various tribes of this region is also very important to the Culture of Himachal Pradesh. The folklores interestingly preserve and tell the Cultural History of these tribal communities. The Cultural Practices of these people are thus still guided by the age old beliefs and practices.

Festivals In Himachal , FACT FILE
Festival Destinations :	Kullu Valley, Kinnaur Region, Lauhaul District, Kangra Valley.
Famous Festivals :	Dussehra in Kullu – October, Phulaich Festival in Kinnaur – September, Baisakhi in Mandi – April.
Religious Festivals :	Dussehra, Holi, Lorhi and Baisakhi.
Buddhist Festival :	Halda in Lahaul – January, Lossar in Lahaul District – November and December.
Must Try :	'Poltu' – An Elaborate Dish Prepared During the Chaitrual Festival in Sirmaur Region and is Offered to the Goddess.
Famous Fairs :	Manimahesh Fair in Manimahesh - February, Dussehra Fair in Kullu – October, Birchu Fair in Kullu – April or May, Minjar Fair in Chamba Valley – July, Lavi Fair in Rampur – November.
Tribal Fair :	Manimahesh Fair in February Held by Nomadic Gaddis.
Must See :	The Night Long Rituals in Chaitrual Festival During the Month of March and April in Sirmaur Region o f Himachal Pradesh.
Festive Magic :	Singing, Dancing, Animal Sacrifice, Offering of Prayers, Cuisine Delight, Drinking and Taking Religious Dips.
Himachal Carnivals :	Winter Carnival in Manali – January. Shimla Summer Festival in Shimla – May. International Folk Festival in Kullu Valley – October. Ice Skating Carnival in Shimla and Dalhousie – December. International Himalayan Festival in McLeodganj – December.
Other Festivals :	Chaitrual in March and April, Sairi Festival in October, Khogal in January, Dyali in September and Gochi in February.
Not To Miss :	Shopping for Handicrafts and Pashmina Shawls During the Lavi Fair, Held In the Month of November in Rampur.
Inside Tip :	Festivals and Fairs are the best time to Visit the State as the Himachal Culture Comes out Live During this Time.