Himachal Pradesh as a state is a pot-purri of different cultural and ethnic groups. Every valley and region of Himachal Pradesh offer something culturally unique, be it their handicrafts, dresses, music, language or cuisine..
Vasant Navratri, also known as Vasant Navratras, begins on April 6, 2008. This festival of nine nights in Hinduism is dedicated to Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. It is also known as
Chaitra Navratras or Spring Navratri or Basant Navratri. As this Navratra coincides with Ram Navami, it also referred as Ram Navratri.Vasant Navratri is observed in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March – April). It is believed that Goddess Durga was originally worshipped (Durga Puja) in the Chaitra month and was also referred as Basanti Puja. It was Lord Ram who changed the period of Durga Puja.

In some places special puja samarohas are also held by setting the images of Mother Durga on beautifully decorated pandals. Four major Saktipeeths of goddess Durga In Himachal are Brajeshwari Devi Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple, Chintapurni-Jawalaji Temple and Naina Devi temple. These temples are dedicated to Shakti also make arrangement for pujas and bratas to mark these nine days as true symbols of devotion and adoration towards the divine mother.
Vasant Navratras
 
Holi In himachal
described, as the ‘festival of colors,is the time
when you can have fun splashing colors, all with the sanction of the Gods! Holi in Himachal Pradesh is celebrated with much enthusiasm. People light bonfires fires called Holika, symbolic of victory of good over evil. Pichkaris in various creative and innovative designs are specially bought by children to color anybody who comes in sight and even more to the one who tries to escape…all in good fun.

The Holi melas held at Palampur, Ghughar, Paprola, Baijnath, Jaisinghpur and Sujanpur also have an attraction of their own. Sujanpur Mela on Holi dates back to the time of Katoch rulers especially Raja Sansar Chand who patronised artistes and musicians during his rule. This fair has been declared as a state festival by the Himachal government. The fair is for four days and during this time lots of traditional folk theater along with Folk music and dances can be enjoyed by the people visiting the fair.
 
The championship began in the picturesque town of Pandoh in Himachal Pradesh with the waters of Sutlej River serving as the battleground for 12 teams, including two from abroad.Rafters will test their stamina in three categories - head to head Raft sprint, Slalom and Downriver raft
.The three-day event, dubbed as the India Cup, provides an excellent opportunity to rafters ahead of the forthcoming World Rafting Championship and other international championships of repute.

Two foreign teams, from Australia and Slovakia, too are putting their skills to test on the turbulent rapids. Three teams from the Indian Army and one from Indian Air Force are also participating in the competition. "We have been training for six months for this one. Among the most awaited and risky events in the championship is the Raft Sprint - a head-to-head, knockout race held over 100 meters of river space.

Another event, Downriver Raft, involves the challenge of navigating a tough 15 kilometres downstream.The forceful currents of the Sutlej are recognised as a good water field for white water rafting.
White Water River Rafting
The Nalwari Fair in Bilaspur : It is a state fair.Cattle are traded here,there are wrestling bouts-aero and water sport shows are recent addition.
Cheshu Mela Rewalsar : The fair has Pilgrimage importance. This place is not only popular in India but also abroad.
Rohru Fair: This fair is held in Rohru on the 9th and 10th of Baisakh (April) on the banks of river Pabbar in honour of Devta Shikru. It is very old fair and is held to commemorate the supremacy of the deity.
Spring Festival: Spring Festival is held from the 28th of April to 30th of April every year. It showcases the folk music and dances of Himachal Pradesh state.
 
     
 
     

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