Shimla is known in the world for being a serene hill station of India. People mostly visit this place for relaxing summer holidays. But only a few know that Shimla is festive too. Apart from the traditional festivals that are celebrated all over India, following are some of the distinct festivals of Shimla.
Ice Skating Carnival
If you happen to visit Shimla between December and February, do attend the Ice skating carnival of Shimla. During this event, you can enjoy both indoor and outdoor ice-skating, skiing, and other snow-filled activities.
Spring Festival
Shimla welcomes spring season with great pomp and show. Every year from April 28th to 30th, this festival is celebrated with folk dance, music, and food.
Sipi Festival
It is a regional fair, organized every year in the month of May to honor the regional deity Sipi Devta. On the occasion, cultural programs and competitions like archery, juggling, acrobatics, etc are also organized.
Lavi Fair
This fair commemorates the trade treaty between the Bushar state in Shimla and Tibet. The event aims at helping the local businessman and small traders to flourish.
Bharara Fair
It is a traditional fair organized in the Bharara village of Shimla since ages. Organized every year on 1st of May, Hindola ride and Nati dance are the icons of this fair. The important deity for this festival is the regional Koteshwar Devta.
If you see, the rest of the world is moving towards modernization, but the interiors of Shimla have still preserved the tradition. The tourist sites might have commercialized, but these regions are still untouched and you will feel the warmth in a way people welcoming you.
Apart from a relaxing vacation, you can also indulge in the culture of Shimla. If you are planning to visit Shimla during one of these festivals, you can also hire a car on day rental and enjoy moving place to place hassle-free.
Here is more about this city via wikipedia.
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