fairs and festivals

International Level Fairs

National Level Fairs

Grant Amount: ₹3.00 Lakh

State Level Fairs

Grant Amount: ₹1.50 Lakh

District Level Fairs

Grant Amount: ₹50,000

Block Level Fairs

festivals :

Bhunda, Shant, and Bhoj Festivals

• Frequency: Every 12 Years (akin to Kumbh Mela) or upon sufficient funding.
• Core Deity: Parshuram (Alternatively linked to Goddess Kali).
• Regions: Upper Shimla Hills, Kullu, Mandi.
• Historical Origin: Identical to the ancient Narmedi Yagya (same customs/rites).
• Key Rituals:
  • Sacrifices made to appease the village deity.
  • Host deity invites neighboring gods/goddesses.
  • Community feast funded entirely by the temple treasury.
  • Non-stop singing and dancing for 3–4 days.

Halda Festival

• Region: Chandra & Bhaga Valley (Lahaul & Spiti).
• Timing: December–January.
• Theme: Local equivalent of Diwali (Festival of Light).
• Key Rituals:
  • No lamps or candles are used.
  • 2-3 members per household bring burning thin cedar sticks.
  • Sticks are piled together into a community bonfire.
  • Burning sticks are ceremoniously thrown toward Gushal and Kardang villages.

Nawala Festival

• Community: Primarily the Gaddi tribe.
• Regions: Kangra, Chamba, Mandi, Kullu.
• Timing: No fixed date; an individual household festival held when sufficient funds are saved.
• Theme: A thanksgiving ceremony dedicated to Lord Shiva (worshipped especially during misfortune and calamity).
• Key Rituals: * Special pooja arrangements.
  • All-night singing of devotional songs praising Lord Shiva.

Chet (Dholru) Festival

• Timing: First day of Chet (first month of the lunar year).
• Significance: Celebrated to bring happiness and prosperity.
• Key Tradition: Village-to-village singing and dancing.
• Performing Castes: Dhaki, Turi, and Shehnai.
• Regional Names & Locations:
  • Chet: Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur.
  • Chatrali: Kullu region.
  • Dholru: Bharmaur (Chamba).

Haryali Festival

• Timing: 1st of Sawan (~16th July).
• Significance: Marks monsoon onset; dedicated to agriculture and livestock well-being.
• Regional Names:
  • Haryali: Kangra, Sirmaur.
  • Shegtsum: Lahaul.
  • Dhakhrain: Jubbal, Kinnaur.
  • Cheeren-di-Saaji: Mandi, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Una, Kangra.
• Common Rituals:
  • Seed Sowing: 5-7 grain types sown in an earth basket near deities days prior.
  • Offerings: Grown stems offered to deities and hung on upper door frames.
  • Farming Taboo: Oxen are granted a rest day (not yoked).
  • Insect Burning: Lice/fleas burnt in cowdung balls to protect cattle year-round.
• Specific Regional Customs:
  • Kinnaur: Village deity garlanded with wild flowers; community singing and dancing.
  • Lahaul: Sattu flour with butter mounds tossed into the air as offerings to deities Gephan or Guru Ghantal.

Phulech Festival (Festival of Flowers)

• Region: Exclusively in Kinnaur.
• Timing: Bhadon or early Asauj.
• Key Rituals:
  • One member per household treks to hilltops to collect flowers.
  • Flowers are offered to the village deity.
  • Flower garlands are then distributed among the community.
• Unique Feature (Priest’s Forecast): The village priest (oracle) makes predictions about upcoming crops and seasonal changes, which locals accept as absolute truth.

Chrewal Festival

• Alternate Name: Prithvi Pooja (Earth Worship).
• Timing: 1st of Bhadon (mid-August).
• Duration: A full one month.
• Agricultural Taboo: Farmers do not yoke oxen for the entire month.
• Regional Variations:
  • Kullu: Known as Bhadranjo (named after the month).
  • Chamba: Known as Pathroru. Celebrated as a festival of flowers featuring dancing, especially by girls.

Jidjed and Guitor (Monastic Festivals)

• Nature & Timing: Buddhist religious festivals celebrated in October.
• Locations & Nomenclature:
  • Jidjed: Held at the Thang-gyud Monastery.
  • Guitor: Held at Kee, Tabo, Dankar, and Pin Spiti subdivision monasteries.
• Main Attraction: Traditional masked dance performances.
• Objective: To ward off diseases and epidemics while ensuring health, happiness, and overall prosperity.

Gochi Festival

• Region: Gumrang Kothi (Keylong) and adjoining areas.
• Timing: January or February (exact date calculated astrologically by Lamas).
• Significance: Joint celebration by all families blessed with a male child in the preceding year.

Lossar Festival

• Significance: Marks the Tibetan New Year.
• Timing: Last week of February.
• Regions: Entire HP tribal belt and Tibetan colonies (Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, Solan, Baijnath).
• Rewalsar Connection (Mandi): Pivotal celebration commemorating Padmasambhava’s marriage to a local princess.
• Cultural Performances:
  • Yak Dance: Folk/religious dance in monastery courtyards.
  • Chhaam Dance: Post-Buddhist mask dances and dramas.
  • Backed by traditional orchestra.
• Religious Rituals (Lahaul & Spiti):
  • Incantation of mantras.
  • Bell-ringing drills.
  • Mandatory use of the Do-rje (Thunderbolt symbol).

Sair Festival

• Region: Primarily in New Himachal areas.
• Timing: September.(FIRST OF ASHWIN)
• Significance: Considered a Bara-din (Big Day) by the hill people.
• Celebration: * Preparation of rich food on the first day of the month.
  • Local deities are worshipped for a prosperous future.
• Unique Custom (Barber’s Mirror): Barbers (Nai) visit villagers to show them mirrors, receiving rewards in return.

Jagra Festival

• Nature: A rite offered to any village deity.
• Key Deity: Primarily Mahasu Devta.
• Regions: Upper Shimla hills, Kinnaur, Sirmaur.
• Timing: 4th day of the bright lunar phase (usually September). The main festival happens at night.
• Key Activities:
  • Priests and followers sing daytime religious songs.
  • ‘BIRSU’: A specific song sung praising the Devta.
  • Continuous singing and dancing throughout.

major Indian festivals and their variations :

Diwali Festival (Diali / Bari Diali)

• Timing: Generally October–November.
• Regional Variations:
  • Kullu Region: * Ramayana and Mahabharata sung in local dialects.
    • Features a mock fight enactment between gods and demons.
  • Lahaul Region (Kaojala):
    • Known locally as Kaojala.
    • Timing: Magha (Jan-Feb).
    • Rituals: Villagers throw Mashals (torches) at a designated spot; deodar leaves tossed into the fire.
    • Deities Invoked: Offerings to Gephan and Bajreshwari Devi.
  • Pattan Valley (Lahaul) Exception:
    • Celebrated on Purnima (Full Moon) instead of Amavasya (all-dark night).
    • Illuminated by lighting small firewood sticks.
• Related Festival (Halda):
  • Similar festival of lights in Gohar and Gondhla valleys (Lahaul).
  • Usually observed in February (date not fixed).

Dussehra Festival

• Context: Celebrated differently in HP compared to the Indian plains.
• Timing: September/October.
• Key Ritual (Dashmi): Burning effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna, and Meghnatha to symbolize the victory of good over evil.
• Global Fame: The Kullu Dussehra is world-renowned.

Lohri (Maghi / Saza) Festival

• Alternate Names: Maghi or Saza.
• Timing: 1st of Magh (mid-January).
• Significance: Post-harvest celebration; feasting and visiting relatives.
• Duration: 8 days. The 8th day features all-night music and dance to promote social solidarity.

Lohri for the Girl Child (The Paragpur Legacy)

• Historical Origin: Celebrated specifically for the girl child in Paragpur (Kangra) for over 300 years (late 16th/early 17th century), long predating modern anti-foeticide campaigns.
• The Legend: Initiated by the Jaswan State to honor Princess Parag Dei for organizing local resistance against invaders. Believed to be the first “Lohri for a girl child” in North India.
• Current Status: Recognized as a State Festival. (The first state-level event was held on January 13, 2010).

Rakhi Festival

• Coverage: All over Himachal Pradesh.
• Timing: Full moon in Shrawan.
• Key Ritual: Sisters tie sacred threads on brothers’ wrists for protection and affection; brothers reciprocate with money, sweets, or gifts.
• Regional Names:
  • Rakhrunya: Bilaspur.
  • Salunnu: Mandi and Sirmaur.
  • Rakhpunya: Shimla Hills.
  • Rakhri: New Himachal areas.

Navratras

• Frequency & Regions: Celebrated twice a year by people in both Old and New Himachal.
• Key Event: Durga Ashtami holds the greatest importance statewide.
• Rituals: Devotees offer prayers at the nearest Durga temples and visit all major Shaktipeeths.

Baishakhi Festival

• Timing: Generally 13th of April.
• Preparation & Celebration: Houses are whitewashed in advance. Celebrated with vibrant fairs, highlighted by large and colorful participation of women.
• Regional Names:
  • Bisowa: Kangra.
  • Bissue: Shimla Hills.
  • Lisshoo: Pangi (Chamba).
• The Holy Dip (Snan): Early morning holy baths are a core ritual. If locals cannot visit nearby wells, rivulets, or ghats, they travel to major sites:
  • Tattapani (near Shimla)
  • Banganga (Kangra Valley)
  • Markanda (Bilaspur)
  • Haridwar (Har-Ki-Pauri)

Shivratri Festival

• Context: Himachal Pradesh (Dev Bhumi) & Western Himalayas are deeply rooted in the mythology of Lord Shiva (Mount Kailash).
• Timing: February.
• Key Rituals: * Shiva & Parvati idols crafted from cow dung or earth.
  • Evil Ward: Paja and Karangora bushes fixed on upper door frames to repel evil spirits/witches.

International Mandi Shivratri Fair

• Status & Venue: Top-ranked in the Western Himalayas. Elevated to International status by former CM Virbhadra Singh. Centered at Paddal Ground.
• Core Concept: Over 100 hill gods (Devtas) assemble to pay homage to Lord Shiva.

The Legend of Madho Rai (Transfer of Power)

• The Tragedy: Raja Surya Sen (1664–1679) lost all 18 of his sons.
• The Decree: To secure the state, he dedicated the kingdom to Madho Rai (Lord Vishnu), vesting absolute ruling power in the deity. Kings ruled only as regents/servants (rituals now performed by the CM or Governor).
• The Idol: A silver image of Madho Rai crafted in 1648 by goldsmith Bhima. Features a Sanskrit inscription praising Him as the “destroyer of rivals.”

Key Events & Processions

• Shobha Yatra: Grand procession led by Madho Rai’s chariot to Paddal Ground, joined by elites, police, and hill deities.
• God Kamru Nag: Arrives on the eve of Shivratri; receives a special traditional reception at Madho Rai’s shrine.
• Musical Heritage: Traditional hill orchestra featuring Karnals, Dhols, and Nagaras.

Historical Origins & Architecture

• Town Founding: Present Mandi was founded in 1526 by Raja Ajber Sen (shifted from Purani Mandi).
• Bhutnath Temple: Installed by Raja Ajber Sen during the town’s foundation.
• Architecture: Famous for ancient Shikhara style temples (e.g., Trilokinath, Panchvaktra, Ardhnareeshwar).

Conclusion of the Fair

• Final Event: Culminates in a joint Jagrata (overnight vigil) with gods and devotees.
• Offerings: Departing gods are gifted Chadars (silken cloths), fruits, and incense.
• State Patronage: Government gives a fixed nazrana (honorarium) to each local god based on their hierarchical status.

fairs :

Here is the properly transcribed and formatted version of your notes on the fairs and festivals of Himachal Pradesh. I have organized the points logically and corrected obvious OCR/transcription errors (such as “Coume” to “Coin” and “Ramodar Ras” to “Damodar Das”) to make it clear and highly scannable.

Baisakhi

• Alternate Names: Bishu, Bisoa.
• Celebrations:
  • Features the Mala Dance in the upper hills, which is performed by joining hands to form a chain or circle.
  • The festival is more popular in the Lower Hills.

Minjar Fair

• Location: Chaugan, Chamba.
• Timing: Starts the 2nd Sunday of August/SHRAVAN and lasts for 1 week (7 days).
• Deity: Varuna (God of Rain).
• Rituals & Offerings:
  • A procession goes from the Akhand Chandi Palace to the Ravi River.
  • Offerings placed in the Ravi River include the Minjar (Maize flower), a Rupee/Coin, Fruit, and Paddy.
  • Responsibility: The fair was historically managed by the Raja, but is now managed by the Municipal Committee.
• Reasons for Celebration: FROM 920 AD
  1. Commemorates Sahil Varman (10th Century) and the Champavati/Hari Rai Temples.
  2. Celebrates Pratap Varman defeating the Kangra king.
  3. Marks the event when the Ravi River changed its course (which historically caused difficulty for a local sage).

Naina Devi Fair

• Location: Naina Devi Temple, Bilaspur.
• Timing: August.
• Landmarks: Located near the Nangal Power House and Anandpur Sahib.

Panch Bhisham Fair

• Location: Jayanti Mata Temple (banks of the Manji River), Kangra.
• Timing: October to November.
• Duration: 5 days.
• Significance:
  • Celebrates the marriage of Tulsi and Shaligram.
  • Commemorates Bhishma lying on the bed of arrows.
  • Jayanti Mata is the Kul Devi (patron goddess) of the Gorkhas.

Kullu Dussehra

• Timing: Starts on Vijaya Dashmi and lasts for 7 days.
• Deities & Idols:
  • Centers around the idol of Raghunath Ji, which is kept in Dhaulpur Maidan for the festival.
  • The idol was brought from Ayodhya by Damodar Das (noted as Ramodar Ras) in July 1651.
  • It was installed by Kullu Raja Jagat Singh.
• Procession & Rituals:
  • Start: Hadimba Devi (the Kul Devi of the Kullu Raja) arrives from Manali. The Kullu Raja receives her and escorts her to Raghunath Ji.
  • End: Concludes with the burning of Lanka and animal sacrifices (Buffalo, Fish, Crab, Cock, Goat).
• Additional Notes:
  • District-level Dussehra celebrations also take place in Sunni and Dharamshala (2014).
  • Baijnath does not celebrate Dussehra.

Lavi Fair

• Location: Rampur Bushahr.
• Timing: October to November.
• Significance:
  • A 300-year-old fair that highlights historical trade relations between Kinnaur and Tibet.
  • The term “Lavi” comes from Loe, which means a sheet of woolen cloth.
  • The fair is associated with the shearing of sheep.

Renuka Fair

• Location: Tehsil Dadahu, Sirmaur.
• Timing: Held in November(KARTHIK), starting 10 days after Diwali, and lasting for 6 days.
• Significance:
  • Depicts the meeting of Goddess Renuka and Lord Parshuram (her youngest son and the 6th Avatar of Vishnu).
  • Legend: Jamdagini and Renuka lived near the lake. The demon Sahasrarjuna killed Jamdagini, prompting Renuka to jump into the lake.
• Activities: Features the Thoda Dance and Kariyala Play.
• Status: Declared an International Fair in October 2011.

Mandi Shivratri

• Location: Bhootnath Temple, Mandi.
• History:
  • Started by Ajbar Sen in the 16th Century.
  • Suraj Sen (1637–1664) installed Madho Rai (a form of Vishnu) as the symbolic King.
• Status: Declared an International Fair in March 2013.

Holi Fair (Sujanpur)

• Location: Sujanpur.
• Timing: March.
• Status: International Fair (noted 2016).

Chintpurni Fair

• Location: Bharwain, Una.
• Significance: Associated with the devotee Mai Das, who prayed there.

Nalwar Fair

• History: Started in 1889 by W. Goldstein, the Superintendent of Shimla Hill States.
• Reason: Initiated due to a shortage of good breed cattle, specifically bullocks.
• Timing: March.
• Other Locations: The Nalwari fairs of Sundernagar, Jahu, and Bilaspur (Mandi region) are also highly famous.

Sissu Fair

• Religion: Buddhist.
• Activities: Features Masked Dances held inside the monasteries.
• Monastery Schedule:
  • Sissur Gompa: June.
  • Gemur Gompa: July.
  • Mani Gompa (Gondhla): August.

Other Chamba Fairs

• Bharmaur Jatra: August.
• Chattrari Jatra: September.

Skodi Fair

• Location: Long Village, Jogindernagar.
• Timing: 26th–28th of Chaitra (April).
• Details:
  • Referred to as a Sati Fair.
  • There is no idol; worshippers revere a heap of stones in the Skodi Khad.
  • Arrangements are made by agriculturist Labanas.

Sui Fair

• Location: Shahmadar Hill, Chamba.
• Timing: April.
• Attendees: Exclusively for Women and Children.
• Significance: Dedicated to Queen Sunayana (Naina Devi), the wife of Sahil Varman, who sacrificed herself to solve the water crisis for the town of Chamba.

Here is the transcribed and properly formatted version of the second page of your notes on the fairs and festivals of Himachal Pradesh. I have continued to organize the information logically and correct spelling or shorthand abbreviations (like “Hmr” to “Hamirpur” and “Karsoj” to “Karsog”) for clarity.

Tarade Fair

• Deity: Durga Mata.
• Association: Associated with the Raja of Junga.

Gugga Fair

• Significance: Associated with the Snake Cult.
• Key Locations: Gehrwin in Bilaspur and Balokhar in Hamirpur.
• GUGGA CONGREGATION GO FROM VILLAGE TO VILLAGE STARTING FROM RAKSHA BANDHAN
• Lineage/Legend Notes:
  • GORAKHNATH GAVE BOON AND GUGGA GUGRI WERE BORN
  • DeV Raj and Bachla are the parents of Gugga.
  • Kachla WAS OTHER WIFE OF DEV RAJ WHO HAD GUGRI AS CHILD

Kangra Fairs

• Dal Fair: Held in Dharamshala in August.
• Sayar Festival (Kangra region): Celebrated in Saloh, Kangra in September. (See Sayar Festival below for more locations).

Hamirpur Fairs

• Gasota Fair: Held in Hamirpur in May. It is associated with a Nalwari (cattle fair).

Kullu Fairs & Carnivals

• Dungri Fair: Held in Manali in May.
• Manali Winter Carnival: Held in February.
• Sarhi Jatra: Held in Naggar, Kullu in May.
• Banjar Mela: Held in Kullu in May.
• Bhuin Mela: Held in Kullu in June.

Bilaspur Fairs

• Markanda Fair: Held in Bilaspur in April.

Solan Fairs

• Sari Fair: Held in Arki in July. Famous for Bull Fighting.
• Shoolini Mela: Held in Solan during the last week of June.

Shimla & Surrounding Region Fairs

• Ghund Fair:
  • Held during Ashad (June–July).
  • Legend: Gorakhnath gave fruit.
  • Associated with Devta Mahasu and the Shirgul temple in Theog.
• Buffalo Fair: Held in Kufri/Mashobra in September.
• Sipi Fair: Held in Mashobra in May.
• Purag Fair:
  • Held in Kotkhai from 11th–13th April (Baisakh).
  • Ritual: Mahadev is carried in a Kamahli (silver pot) to the Giri River.
  • The Nag Devta of Ghunda & Chautra village, along with the Rum Devta of Nehra, come to the fair.
  • Features a Mela and Riyali Dances.
• Pathar Ka Khel: Held in Halog, Shimla in October–November.
• Rohru Jatra: Held in April.
• Forna Fair: A Bishu fair held in Chopal in Baisakh (April). Associated with Devta Shirgul.
• Rampuri Jatra: Held in Jubbal in July.
• Thalay Fair:
  • A Bishu/Baisakhi fair held in Pargana Jabhol of Chopal.
  • Associated with Devta Rahanu (who has temples at Thalay and Jabhol).
  • Shirgul is the presiding deity.

Sirmaur Fairs

• Trilokpur Fair: Held in Nahan, Sirmaur in September.

Chamba Fairs (Pangi Valley)

• Chultatre / Jatra: Held in Killar, Pangi during Asoj (September–October).

Other Statewide / Multi-District Events

• Sayar Festival:
  • Held in September.
  • Celebrated in Saloh (Kangra), Karsog (Mandi), and Subathu (Shimla).
  • Historically features a Buffalo/Bull sacrifice.
• Jagannath Yatra:
  • The first yatra was held in Shimla on 27 October 2012.
  • It was subsequently held in Hamirpur and Nahan.

UNA : PANJGOTRA FAIR AT BABHOUR SAHIB ON FIRST DAY OF BAISAKHI

UNA : PIR NIGAH FAIR AT BASHOLI

PAURI FAIR :TRILOKNATH TEMPLE UDAIPUR LAHAUL

Here is the transcribed, well-ordered, and factually corrected list of the festivals and fairs of Himachal Pradesh based on your notes. I have organized them alphabetically for easy reference and clarified historical and cultural details where necessary.

1. Baisakhi (Bishu / Bisoa)

• Location/Popularity: Widely celebrated, but the style varies. It is highly popular in the Lower Hills.
• Key Details: In the Upper Hills, it is known for the Mala Dance, where participants join hands to form a chain.

2. Bharmaur Jatra & Chattrari Jatra

• Location: Chamba District.
• Schedule: Bharmaur Jatra is held in August, followed by Chattrari Jatra in September.

3. Chintpurni Fair

• Location: Bharwain, Una District.
• Key Details: Associated with the Goddess Chintpurni. Historically tied to the devotee Bhakta Mai Das, who prayed here and received the goddess’s blessings.

4. Holi Fair

• Location: Sujanpur (Hamirpur District).
• Time: March.
• Key Details: Famous for its historical roots (started by Raja Sansar Chand) and is now recognized as an International level fair.

5. Kullu Dussehra

• Location: Dhalpur Maidan, Kullu.
• Time: Starts on Vijaya Dashami and lasts for 7 days.
• Historical Origins: The idol of Lord Raghunath Ji was brought from Ayodhya by Damodar Das in July 1651. It was installed by the Kullu King, Raja Jagat Singh.
• Commencement: The festival officially begins when Goddess Hadimba (the Kul Devi or presiding deity of the Kullu Rajas) arrives from Manali. The Raja of Kullu formally receives her and escorts her to Lord Raghunath Ji.
• Conclusion: The festival ends with the symbolic burning of Lanka and a traditional sacrifice (Panchbali) involving five animals: a buffalo, a rooster (cock), a fish, a crab, and a goat.
• Important Notes: Baijnath uniquely does not celebrate Dussehra. Other notable district-level Dussehra fairs are held in Sunni and Dharamshala.

6. Lavi Fair

• Location: Rampur Bushahr, Shimla District.
• Time: October–November.
• Key Details: A historic, 300-year-old trade fair celebrating the ancient trade relations between Kinnaur and Tibet. The word “Lavi” is derived from “Loe” (meaning a sheet of woolen cloth) and coincides with the annual shearing of sheep.

7. Mandi Shivratri

• Location: Bhootnath Temple, Mandi.
• Historical Origins: The Bhootnath Temple was built by Raja Ajbar Sen in the 16th century (1527). Later, Raja Surya Sen (corrected from the notes) installed the silver idol of Madho Rai as the supreme ruler of Mandi (circa 1637–1664).
• Key Details: It is officially recognized as an International Fair.

8. Minjar Fair

• Location: Chaugan, Chamba.
• Time: Starts on the 2nd Sunday of August (Shravan month) and lasts for 1 week (7 days).
• Key Details: Dedicated to Lord Varuna (the God of Rain). “Minjar” refers to the maize flower.
• Rituals: A grand procession travels from the Akhand Chandi Palace to the Ravi River. Offerings of a Minjar, coconut, rupee/coin, seasonal fruit, and paddy are thrown into the river.
• Historical Context: Previously organized by the Raja of Chamba, the responsibility now falls to the Municipal Committee. It historically commemorates:
  1. Raja Sahil Varman (10th century) building the Champavati and Hari Rai temples.
  2. Pratap Varman’s victory over the King of Kangra.
  3. A local legend where the Ravi River changed its course to help a sage who was facing difficulties.

9. Naina Devi Fair

• Location: Naina Devi Temple, Bilaspur (situated near the Ganguwal Power House and Anandpur Sahib).
• Time: August (usually peaks during the Shravan Ashtami Navratras).

10. Nalwari Fair

• Location: Primarily Bilaspur, with other famous cattle fairs held in Sundernagar (Mandi), Jahu, and Basota.
• Time: March.
• Historical Origins: Conceived in 1889 by W. Goldstein, the then Superintendent of the Shimla Hill States, to address the shortage of good-breed cattle and bullocks for local farmers.

11. Panch Bhisham Fair

• Location: Jayanti Mata Temple (on the banks of the Manji River, Kangra).
• Time: October–November (lasts for 5 days).
• Key Details: Celebrates the marriage of Tulsi and Shaligram. It honors Bhishma Pitamah (who lay on a bed of arrows in the Mahabharata). Jayanti Mata is revered as the Kul Devi of the Gorkhas.

12. Renuka Fair

• Location: Renuka Lake (Tehsil Pachhad, Sirmour).
• Time: November (begins exactly 10 days after Diwali and lasts for 6 days).
• Mythological Context: Commemorates the annual meeting of Lord Parshuram (the 6th Avatar of Lord Vishnu) and his mother, Goddess Renuka. According to legend, the demon Sahasarjun killed Parshuram’s father, Sage Jamadagni. In grief, Renuka immersed herself in the lake.
• Key Details: The fair features the traditional Thoda Dance (a martial archery dance) and Kariyala plays. It was declared an International Fair in October 2011.

13. Sissu Fair

• Location/Type: A Buddhist festival celebrated in the Lahaul Valley.
• Key Details: Famous for traditional masked dances performed inside the monasteries.
• Schedule:
  • Sissur Gompa: June
  • Gemur Gompa: July
  • Mani Gompa (Gondhla): August

14. Skodi Fair

• Location: Lang Village, Jogindernagar (Mandi).
• Time: 26th–28th of Chaitra (April).
• Key Details: It is a Sati fair. Uniquely, there is no idol worshipped here; devotions are offered to a heap of stones in the Skodi Khad (stream). The fair arrangements are traditionally managed by agriculturist Lohars (blacksmiths).

15. Sui Fair

• Location: Chamba Town.
• Time: April.
• Key Details: This fair is restricted exclusively to women and children. It commemorates the sacrifice of Queen Sunayana/Naina Devi (wife of Raja Sahil Varman), who laid down her life to secure a water supply for Chamba town from the Shahmadar Hill.

Here is the transcribed, factually corrected, and alphabetically ordered list of the festivals and fairs based on your second set of notes.

1. Banjar Mela

• Location/Time: Kullu in May.

2. Bhuin Mela

• Location/Time: Kullu in June.

3. Buffalo Fair

• Location/Time: Kufri/Mashobra in September.

4. Chultatra Fair

• Location/Time: Killar, Pangi Valley. Celebrated during the month of Asoj (September–October).

5. Dal Fair

• Location/Time: Dharamshala in August.

6. Dungri Fair

• Location/Time: Manali in May.

7. Gasota Fair

• Location/Time: Hamirpur in May.
• Key Details: It is associated with the Nalwari (cattle fair) tradition.

8. Ghund Fair

• Location/Time: Theog during the month of Ashad (June–July).
• Key Details: Associated with the Devta Mahasu and Shirgul temples.

9. Gugga Fair

• Location: Prominently held in Gehrwin (Bilaspur) and Balokhar (Hamirpur).
• Key Details: Dedicated to the local snake cult. The folklore centers around a legend where Guru Gorakhnath gave a fruit to Bachla, leading to the miraculous birth of Gugga. (Other figures noted in the legend include Kachla, Dev Raja, and Gugri).

10. Jagannath Yatra

• Location/History: The first yatra (procession) in the state was organized in Shimla on October 27, 2012. Subsequently, it has also been adopted in Hamirpur and Nahan.

11. Jorna Fair

• Location/Time: Chopal in April (coinciding with Bishu/Baisakhi).
• Key Details: Dedicated to Devta Shirgul.

12. Manali Winter Carnival

• Location/Time: Manali in February.

13. Markanda Fair

• Location/Time: Bilaspur in April.

14. Pather Ka Khel

• Location/Time: Halog (Shimla) during October–November (traditionally post-Diwali).
• Key Details: A famous traditional stone-pelting festival.

15. Purag Fair

• Location/Time: Kotkhai from April 11–13 (around Baisakhi).
• Rituals: Lord Mahadev is carried in a silver pot, known as a Kamahli, to the Giri River.
• Key Details: The Nag Devta of Ghund and Dharech villages attends this fair. It features traditional Nati and Riyali dances. Additionally, the Dum Devta of Nehra also makes an appearance during the festivities.

16. Rampuri Jatra

• Location/Time: Jubbal in July.

17. Rohru Jatra

• Location/Time: Rohru in April.

18. Sarhi Jatra

• Location/Time: Naggar (Kullu) in May.

19. Sari Fair

• Location/Time: Arki in July.
• Key Details: This fair is particularly famous for its bull-fighting.

20. Sayar Fair

• Location/Time: Celebrated mid-September across various locations, notably Bakloh, Kangra, Karsog (Mandi), Subathu, and Shimla.
• Key Details: Historically, the notes mention a tradition involving buffalo/bull sacrifice.

21. Shoolini Mela

• Location/Time: Solan during the last week of June.

22. Sipi Fair

• Location/Time: Mashobra in May.

23. Taradevi Fair

• Location/Key Details: Dedicated to Goddess Durga Mata (corrected from “Mala” in the handwritten notes). It is traditionally patronized by the Raja of Junga.

24. Thalog Fair

• Location/Time: The Pargana Jabhola area of Chopal during Bishu/Baisakhi.
• Key Details: Associated with Devta Rahalnu, whose temples are located in Thalog and Jabhna. The overall presiding deity of the area is Shirgul.

25. Trilokpur Fair

• Location/Time: Nahan (Sirmaur district) in September.