At a Glance :

Region : Himachal Pradesh, Lahaul district

Celebration Month : January

Halda festival of Himachal Pradesh is specifically celebrated within Lahaul district on the occasion of New Year. During January,this festival is held in this region. The celebration duration of this festival is about 2 days. This festival is committed to Shashikar Apa, she is a Wealth goddess for the Lamaistic Pantheon. The actual date of Halda festival is always decided through Lamas. The Lamas select the place where all members of every house gather with  fallen cedar brushwood to make a bonfire. Generally people cover the Lahaul by snow during the festival time of the year.

The prime attractive characteristics of Hadla festival is togetherness of families, heady cocktails and dancing. People believe this festival as an occasion to spend time with family and private celebration. This festival is very famous within the valley with Bhaga and Chandra Rivers. Bonfire that is made by gathering some branches from each family, displays unity among the communities. People considered this bonfire as a sign of happiness, good luck and hope.