Fairs and Festivals of Palampur- Rendezvous of Cultures and Celebrations

Palampur is a hills station located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This is one of the major tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, which is full of wonderful and scenic places. Palampur attracts tourists because of its excellent climate and the remains of colonial architectures which still stand tall to this day. The entire state of Himachal Pradesh is rich in terms of culture and tradition, Palampur being no exception. In Palampur, there are numerous festivals which are celebrated with lots of enthusiasm, besides there are different kinds of fairs which are held every year. These events come as an added attraction to the tourist visiting this part of Himachal Pradesh.

Like in other parts of India, Holi is being celebrated with immense enthusiasm in Palampur. In other parts of India, the festival of Holi is celebrated for 2 days, whereas in Palampur it is celebrated for 4 days. In places like Pragati Maidan, public celebration of Holi is carried out. The festival is being inaugurated by the honorable Governor of Himachal Pradesh. In Palampur, the women offer puja and aarti during the festival of Holi. Small twigs are collected from the trees and are then colored in yellow and red. Then these twigs are placed inside a bamboo basket, which is called Khartoo. Women place roasted grams, jaggery, vermillion powder and thread inside the basket and then carry it to the oldest man in the village. This man is known as Dandochh. The actual celebration of Holi begins only after this ritual is completed. For the tourists who visit Palampur during Holi are blessed with some wonderful experience.
 

At Palampur, like in other parts of India, Makar Sankranti is considered to be a very important day. It is during this day, the festival of Lohri is being celebrated at Palampur. In this event, people arrange feasts and they sing a special song on this day. This is one of the most popular festivals in Palampur.
 

Sair is a local festival and is unique to this particular place. Puja and aarti are being offered to Sair, a deity heavily regarded in Palampur. This festival is celebrated during the Chaitra month. In the ancient days, Palampur used to experience a heavy flood. It is believed that offerings to Sair are what protect them from the floods.