From the Himalaya to the world
THE HIMACHALI JOURNALVerified calendar
Dated fairs, gatherings, film screenings, concerts, and storytelling performances with explicit confirmation status.
Unverified dates are never presented as confirmed.
gathering
A winter festival of lights in Lahaul, where communities gather to light bonfires and celebrate the turn of the season.
Lahaul, lahaul and spiti
A locality-first winter observance in Lahaul valley, documented in the journal’s published entry on Halda.
Last verified 2026-07-26
gathering
A winter cultural carnival in Manali featuring folk performances, food stalls, and community celebrations.
Manali, kullu
Held in Manali, a major cultural and tourist centre in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.
Last verified 2026-07-26
fair
An annual fair at Sipi village near Mashobra, associated with Goddess Sipi and local folk traditions.
Mashobra, shimla
Held at Sipi village near Mashobra in Shimla district, a long-standing local fair.
Last verified 2026-07-26
fair
An international fair in Chamba commemorating the victory of King Sahila Varma, featuring a procession with silk tassels and folk performances.
Chamba, chamba
Held in Chamba town, one of Himachal’s oldest cultural fairs, granted international status by the state government.
Last verified 2026-07-26
fair
A seven-day international festival at Dhalpur Maidan in Kullu, beginning on Vijaya Dashami, celebrating the congregation of deities from the Kullu valley.
Dhalpur Maidan, Kullu, kullu
Held at Dhalpur Maidan in Kullu, dating to the 17th century when King Jagat Singh installed an idol of Raghunath. Accorded international festival status by the Himachal Pradesh government.
Last verified 2026-07-26
film screening
The 15th edition of DIFF, showcasing independent cinema, documentaries, and shorts from India and around the world, with panels and masterclasses.
Tibetan Children’s Village, Upper Dharamshala, Dharamshala, kangra
Held at Tibetan Children’s Village in Upper Dharamshala, home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan community in exile. Founded in 2012 by filmmakers Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam.
Last verified 2026-07-26
fair
A centuries-old trade and cultural fair at Rampur Bushahr, originating from a 17th-century trade treaty between Bushahr and Tibet.
PGSS Boys’ School and Part Bungalow, Rampur Bushahr, shimla
Held at Rampur Bushahr in Shimla district, the most significant trade fair of Himachal Pradesh, sponsored by the state government.
Last verified 2026-07-26
gathering
A three-day cultural festival in McLeod Ganj honouring the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize, featuring performances by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts and local groups.
McLeod Ganj, kangra
Held in McLeod Ganj, Kangra district, supported by the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society, Central Tibetan Administration, and Himachal Pradesh Tourism.
Last verified 2026-07-26