Festivals in Lahaul and Spiti Valley-A Brief Overview
TRIBAL FAIR KEYLONG
The Tribal Fair is conducted during the same time as the Indian Independence Day and takes place between the 14th and 16 of August every year. It is celebrated at Keylong, the headquarters of the district. It is celebrated as a State Level Fair and people from all over the valley and a large number of Indian and Foreign tourist gather. Artists and Troupes are invited from nearby places such a Chandigarh, Dharamshala and Leh in addition to local artists to make the fair more lively and colorful.
LOSAR/HALDA FESTIVAL
The Losar festival (also known as Halda in the local language) is celebrated to mark the Tibetian New Year. It is celebrated over a period of 3 days generally in the month of February every year. This festival has the same significance as the Diwali but is celebrated differently in a Tibetan fashion. The date of celebration is decided by the Lamas in accordance with the lunar calendar. The festival includes beautiful dances, prayers, and religious debates. The Losar is also celebrated in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. In India, it is widely celebrated in states with a strong concentration of the Buddhist population such as Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Kashmir.
LADARCHA FAIR
The Ladarcha Fair is a congregation of traders from nearby areas to barter their produce. The fair is held annually at Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti during the 3rd week of August. A large number of visitors and traders from Kullu, Lahaul, etc. meet here and enjoy the festive mood.
HALDA – THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Halda is celebrated every year in the month of January. The chief monk at the Shashur Gompa declares the dates when the festival is to be held. The word “Halda” translates to “Torch” in the local dialect. Although the dates are decided by a Buddhist monk, it is a Hindu festival and is almost celebrated like Diwali.
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