Festivals in January
Halda:
Halda
festival celebrated in Lahaul, which is a more private celebration of the
event. Along the valleys of Chandra and Bhaga rivers, a few numbers of every
household step out with lit cedar twigs to a west oriented place selected
by the "Lamas". These slender branches form the first flames of a bonefire
which is then dispersed. Shiskar Apa the goddess of wealth is worshipped,
and dances continues for a couple of days.
Lohri or
Maghi:
The
festival of Lohri is celebrates in the most areas of Himachal Pradesh.
This is the traditionally mid winter season and also commemoratethe last
sowing of Ravi crop. Community bonfire, dancing and folk songsmark the
day.
Phagli:
Phagli
is another important festival of the Lahaul valley. Phagli nam Derived from
the month of Phagun the last month of winter and beginning of the spring
season.
Makar Sankrati:
The
festival of Makar Sankrati is celebrated with great fun and festivity at
Solan 48 Km from Shimla on Kalka Shimla Highway.
More
contemporary events come in the form of the National Snow Statue Competition
at Kufri. The folk dance competition on Republic day at Shimla, and
the water sports regatta at Kangra's Pong Dam.
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