India has a saga of festivals, and each of them extremely unique. One such extraordinary festival is celebrated in Lahaul during this time of the year. Lahaul’s traditional Halda festival is a Diwali-like, month-long festival celebrated by the natives of Gahar, Chandra, and Pattan valleys. Here’s what makes the occasion so spectacular.
The Natives Sing Songs & Dance In Merriment
The Halda festival is celebrated on the second or third week of January. The locals participate in singing songs and dancing with merriment. The festival starts on a full moon day and is primarily dedicated to Shishkar Apa, the goddess of wealth in the Lamaistic pantheon. During the festival, the Lamas light a massive bonfire, and people assemble with lit-up torches made of cedar twigs or Halda.
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The Locals Pray & Seek Blessings During The Festival
The locals pray and seek their blessings for better crop production in spring, and keep evil forces at bay. The locals believe that the deities leave the mountains for their heavenly abode during winter. In the absence of the Gods, evil spirits multiply in the valley to trouble local people. Such prayers and festivals reduce the problems they face during extreme winter.
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Exotic cocktails and good food make this festival an occasion to remember. Many tourists also join in the celebrations every year.