Dharamsala

Festive Celebrations

A range of festivals add colour to this quiet town. Among them, the Dharamsala Summer Festival is organized by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts and is marked by songs and dance performances by locals. The Himalayan International Festival, in Mc LeogGanj, is held n December to commemorate the conferment of Nobel Prize on the Dalai Lama. Lohri is celebrated to mark the last of harvest sowing and is celebrated by the entire community gathering for bonfire and folk performances. The Nalwari Fair is marked by the sale of cattle, performances by local artists and wrestling matches. Celebrated in August in Upper Dharamsala, the Dal Fair is another colourful and popular event here. Navratri is celebrated with great pomp for nine days dedicated to Goddess Durga. A large number of pilgrims flock to the temple of Chintpurni and Jawala Mukhi which is of major focus during this. Dussehra in October is marked by the Ramlila, wherein various events from Rama’s life are enacted. Gold and silver idols of gods and goddesses are taken out in processions. During this festival, stalls are set up by Tibetan traders selling woolen shawls, ponchos, caps and blankets.