INTRODUCTION

Event and festival tourism is one of the fastest growing forms of tourism. It is
becoming increasingly popular in rural areas as a means to revitalise local
economies. Advancing technologies and changing weather patterns (i.e. increase in
droughts and floods/storms) have brought about the need for diversification of
industry in areas previously reliant on traditional industries such as farming, or
narrowly focussed tourism industries. Events and festivals have been used with
great success in many such areas as a means to draw people to regions that
traditionally have a seasonal tourist appeal. The Thredbo Jazz festival is a prime
example, becoming increasingly popular amongst tourists and injecting extra
revenue into the region in a time that is between the hectic winter ski seasons.

There are many definitions on Festival Tourism. The latest one suggests that festival
tourism includes festivals, rallies, fairs, expositions, sports and cultural life, etc. It has
various sizes, a specific theme and hold regularly or irregularly in the same region in
a particular time, it can attract large number of tourists outside the region unlike
conventional life line of people, events and programs (Lian, 2004).

Festival Tourism could be divided into traditional festival and modern festival
according to its origins and activities involved. Traditional festivals are passed from
generation to generation based on rich cultural heritage. On the other hand, festivals
are planed entirely in line with market demand, based on local characteristics or
consumer behavior (Huang, 2004). Based on Lian and Huang theories, a new
concept of Festival Tourism was brought up by the two scholars. Festival Tourism, a
kind of festival activity that has tourism value and has gotten certain tourism benefits,
can bring significant economic, cultural and social benefits in a short period of time
under a successful operation. Among these benefits, cultural function and economic
function are enormous. Culture is the soul of the festival and the economy is the life
of the festival. These two aspects are interrelated.

Festival Tourism is a special tourism product. Generally speaking, festivals could fall
into a national cultural festival or a reasonable extension of regional culture. The
uniqueness means that it will not be repeated within a certain area and not easy to
replicate in other regions, either. Festival Tourism plays an important role in the
current tourism activities. Most people will especially travel to attend a festival.
Therefore, festival tourism activities can be arranged in a reasonable time so that it
can help the area be one of top destinations. In the local culture, the Festival
Tourism has played an active role to enhance urban functions and shape tourism
image to attract tourists.

The fixed length of events and festivals encourages visitors to attend; often attracting
new visitors that would otherwise not experience that particular region. This extra
exposure acts as an indirect form of marketing for the region as a whole, offering an
opportunity to reach a previously untapped market. These new tourists bring with
them new money, further diversifying the market and subsequently increasing both
real and potential revenue generation. It is also important to recognise that events
and festivals are attractions that have drawing power and holding power. This means
that they not only bring in new visitors, they also help to keep visitors in the region
longer. This shows the importance of measuring not just the economic impact of
those that come specifically for the event, but also those that didn’t and stayed
longer because of the event.

The fixed duration of events and festivals also creates the need for a different
approach to organisation and funding when compared to traditional attractions. This
includes the need for Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) in order to justify
scheduling of events, to attract sponsors and to act as a vital planning resource. It
should be noted however that economic impact assessments should not be solely
responsible for assessing the success of an event or festival. The extra attention
gained by the host region as a direct result of the event/festival could well reap far
greater economic rewards in the future as a result of increased exposure.
TYPES OF EVENTS

Events can range from a one or two day sporting event (e.g. Melbourne Grand Prix)
to a month long festival (e.g. Edinburgh Fringe Festival). The types of visitors to
these events can vary greatly, as can their behaviour. Preliminary research
conducted by the CRC for Sustainable Tourism tends to suggest that participant-
based events (e.g. National Runners Week) may yield greater expenditure per
person than spectator based events (egg Thredbo Jazz Festival). Therefore, the
economic impact of events may differ due to the type of event developed and the
market attracted to that event.
The scale of an event has a direct relationship with the scale of the impacts resulting
from the event shows how the scale of impacts (such as attendance, media profile,
infrastructure, costs and benefits) increase along with the scale of the event
Events vary from local community based events (e.g. arts and crafts stalls), to major
events (e.g. The National Folk Festival), to hallmark events to what have been
classified mega-events (e.g. The Olympics). As the size of these events increases so
to do their potential attendance, media coverage, and potential costs and benefits,
including economic impacts.
Furthermore, the nature of events can also differ due to the number of venues used
during the event. Events can be all inclusive at one venue (eg AFL Grand Final) or
held at many venues throughout a region (eg Olympic Games). Multiple venue
events are more difficult to evaluate or assess as boundaries become blurred, the
sample and study area gets larger, and there is often a chance of counting the same
visitor many times.
A framework for the categorisation of events is useful for determining strategic gaps
through the identification of different events, their timing, location and themes. It is
also useful to classify events in order to assess economic performance against
criteria such as the timing of the event (whether a summer or winter event), its
location (whether it is in Jindabyne or Thredbo), or its themes (whether it is an active
sports event, or a passive music event). Jago and McArdle (1999) present a
framework that takes into account the temporal or timing aspects as well as the
spatial or location aspects and the thematic aspects of events in order to categorise
them.
Figure - Event Types

The identification of each of these aspects is important when considering the overall
value of an event to the host community. For example, a business event that occurs
in the busy school holiday period may be causing extra stress on a region’s
infrastructure, when the same event could easily be moved to a slower period of the
year.
The spatial implications of an event include not only the obvious benefits and
restrictions to the host town/region, but also the naming of the event such as the
case of the Thredbo Jazz Festival or the Canberra Multicultural Festival. The title of
an event must accurately reflect the host region or the supplier region (eg State
Competitions) in order to ensure recognition for all involved and optimise the use of
precious regional sponsorship dollars. The thematic nature of events can be used to
either justify or disqualify the benefits or advantages of events based on their
importance to the host community.
Although more traditional events such as horticultural and agricultural shows, as well
as art and cultural events still exist and have been in existence for many years in
rural or regional Australia. An increasing number of other events have grown rapidly
over the past 10 years. Ryan et al. (1996) note a huge increase in sporting and
participation events such as Masters Games, marathons and triathlons, as well as
visual and performing arts events in New Zealand. This trend has seen to be
duplicated in Victoria, Australia (see Jago and McArdle 1999).

Today festivals are considered to contribute significantly to the cultural and economic
development wealth of India. The festivals have major impact on the development of
cultural tourism to the host communities. The festival organisers are now using the
historical and cultural themes to develop the annual events to attract visitors and
creating cultural image in the host cities by holding festivals in the community
settings. The desire for festivals and events is not specifically designed to address
the needs for any one particular group. The hosting of events is often developed
because of the tourism and economic opportunities addition to social and cultural
benefits. Many researchers have contested that local communities plays vital role in
development of tourism through festivals.
Events have the potential to generate a vast amount of tourism when they cater to
out-of-region visitors, grants, or sponsorships, (Getz, 1997) of direct or indirect
intent. The government now support and promote events as part of their strategies
for economic development, nation building and cultural tourism. The events in turn
are seen as important tool for attracting visitors and building image within different
communities. According to Stiernstrand (1996), the economic impact of tourism
arises principally from the consumption of tourism products in a geographical area.
According to McDonnell, Allen and O’ Toole (1999), tourism related services, which
include travel, accommodation, restaurants, shopping are the major beneficiaries of
the event.
As far as events and tourism is concerned, the roles and responsibilities of
governments as well private sector and society in general have significantly changed
over the last decade. The situation have been changed where the state had the key
responsibility for tourism development and promotion to a world where the public
sector is obliged to reinvent itself by relinquishing of its traditional responsibilities and
activities in favour of both provincial/ state and local authorities. This indicates the
growing influence on the behaviour of governments and business in general of
development of event and tourism industries. This suggests that festivals impact on
the host population and stakeholders in a number of ways. These factors are
primarily concerned with social and cultural, physical and environmental, political and
economic impacts, and can be both positive and negative.
CULTURAL TOURISM
Cultural tourism is defined by Tourism industry professionals as "Travel directed
toward experiencing the arts, heritage and special character of a place." The culture
is an identity and the importance that individual people place on local and national
social organisations, such as local governments, education institutions, religious
communities, work and leisure. Cultural tourism describes tourist the once who take
part in the cultural activities while away from their home cities. Cultural tourism is that
form of tourism whose purpose is to discover heritage sites and cultural monuments
on their travels. Garrison Keillor (1995) in an address to the White House
Conference on Travel & Tourism, best described cultural tourism by saying,

"We need to think about cultural tourism because really there is no other kind
of tourism. It's what tourism is...People don't come to America for our airports,
people don't come to America for our hotels, or the recreation facilities....They
come for our culture: high culture, low culture, middle culture, right, left, real
or imagined -- they come here to see America."

The theme of culture has grown over the last two decades but not clear definition of
culture has accepted by the community has whole. The culture in modern day is
seen as a product by the governments, large organisations and individual people to
develop their own standings in the given market. Wyman states that culture plays
important part in the society:

"...In an economic climate where we hear so much about crisis in health and
education, it is important to remember that culture, too, is an essential element
of a healthy society. It's not an either-or situation. Health is necessary for life;
culture makes life worth living...."

Moreover, cultural tourism relates to those individual groups of people who travel
around the world, individual country, local community and individual events that
seeks to experience a heritage, religious and art sites to develop knowledge of
different communities, way of life. This can include a very wide range of cultural
tourist experience. It can include, for example, performing arts, festivals visits to
historic sites and monument, education tours, museums, natural heritage sites and
religious festivals.

DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURAL TOURISM THROUGH FESTIVALS

The festivals have changed over the years, before festivals were associated with key
calendar moments, linked specifically to particular seasons and heritage sites. Over
the last decade these have been changed and developed upon, there is now a broad
and diverse range of festivals events taking place all over the world. Getz (1997, p.1)
introduces festivals events as a:

“Events constitute one of the most exciting and fastest growing forms of
leisure, business, and tourism-related phenomena.”

Goldblatt (2002, p.1) introduces festivals events as a:

“Kaleidoscope of planned culture, sport, political, and business occasions:

from mega-events like Olympics and World fairs to community festivals; from
programs of events at parks and attractions to visits by dignitaries and
intergovernmental assembles; from small meetings and parties to huge
conventions and competitions.”

The revolution in festivals has been stimulated through commercial aspect to meet
the changing demand of the local community groups and increasing business
opportunities for the events organisations and local businesses. Festivals play a
major part in a city and local community. Festivals are attractive to host communities,
because it helps to develop local pride and identity for the local people. In addition,
festivals have an important role in the national and host community in context of
destination planning, enhancing and linking tourism and commerce. Some aspects of
this role include: events as image makers, economic impact generators, tourist
attractions, overcoming seasonality, contributing to the development of local
communities and businesses, and supporting key industrial sectors.
The festival organisers are now using the historical and cultural themes to develop
the annual events to attract visitors and creating cultural image in the host cities by
holding festivals in the community settings. Festivals provide an opportunity for the
local communities to develop and share their culture, which create a sense of values
and beliefs held by the individuals in a local community and provide opportunity for
members of the local community to exchanges experiences and information.
Festivals provide the tourist the opportunity to see how the local communities
celebrate their culture and how this effects the community development, it also helps
the visitors to interact with the host community and help people to enjoy and meet
their leisure needs.
The peoples and communities that host the festival provide the visitors with a vibrant
and valuable culture. In addition, culture is the personal expression of community
heritage, community perspective, it provides cultural opportunities for the visitors to
enjoy and experience local illumination and culture. The festivals also provide
support to those who pursue economic opportunity related to sharing community
culture with the broader world. UNEP (2002) suggest that the culture tourism is
boosted through the development of festivals and events. Tourism can add to the
vitality of communities in many ways. One example is that events and festivals of
which local residents have been the primary participants and spectators are often
rejuvenated and developed in response to tourist interest.

IMPACT OF FESTIVALS ON HOST COMMUNITY

The event organisers do not take into account the social and environmental impact in
to consideration. It is argued that there is a clear need to adopt a holistic approach:

In any location, harmony must be sought between the needs of the visitor, the
place and the host community
(English Heritage, 2000 p.29).

Host communities play a major role when running a major sporting event or any
other large scale events. Also, major sporting events play a major role in host
communities. The work of Getz (1997) was concerned with the event manager
gaining support and resources from the host community, while also looking at the
local benefits and costs, cultural meanings of their event and also the political
factors. If all this is taken into consideration then it can lead to a good event and
even a good relationship between event and local community.
A problem a host community may have with the event is the influx of people and it
being unable to cope. This may have a knock on effect in terms of traffic congestion,
crime and vandalism. Also Smith (1989) tells of how the socio-cultural impacts result
from the interaction between ‘hosts’ and ‘guests’. A number of factors may contribute
to difficulties in this relationship. The transitory nature of a visit to a historic centre
may be too short to allow any understanding to be established. Repeat visits may be
more positive in this context. Visitors, especially those on day visits, have temporal
constraints and become more intolerant of ‘wasting time’, for example in finding
somewhere to park. Spontaneity may break down as ‘hospitality’ becomes a
repetitive transaction for the host (Glasson et al 1995, pp.34-5).
However they can intern have increased tourism over the time of the event, then due
to the exposure, have short-term or long-term tourism due to the attention the event
has been given.
The impacts of events can greatly affect the quality of life of the local residents.
Therefore, it is been argued to adopt strategies to take into control the social and
environmental impacts of festivals into analysis when carrying out economic impact
of the each individual event. The event organisers only take into consideration the
economic implications and ignore the resident perceptions, which provide important
non-economic dimension for gauging how events benefit or impinge on the host
community (Jeong and Faulkner, 1996; Hall, 1992).
The festivals have a number of impacts arose on the host city, ranging from cultural,
economic, social and environmental. Festivals have both positive and negative
impacts on their host cities, but emphasis is often focused on the economic analysis.
Hall (1992) suggests that the ability of major events perceived to attract economic
benefits of events often provide the official justification for the hosting events.

Economic analysis of events provides one aspect of why events are held and
the effects that they have on a region. However, while many of the economic
impacts of events are quite tangible many of the social are not.
(Hall, 992 p.10) The full assessment of economic impact must also take into account
other aspects. The benefits sought by the development of the cultural tourism
through festivals are similar to the economic roles of events defined by Getz (1997).
Getz believes that:
“The economic role of events is to act as catalysts for attracting visitors and
increasing their average spend and length of stay. They are also seen as
image-makers for the destination, creating a profile for destinations,
positioning them in the market and providing a competitive marketing
advantage.”
According to Getz (1997) economic impact assessments often include a multiplier
calculation to demonstrate that incremental tourist expenditure has direct, indirect
and induced benefits for the local economy. At the most basic level, economic
impact analysis techniques estimate average per-person spending, multiplied by the
total number of visitors/users to determine the direct spending associated and then
apply multipliers to estimate secondary or indirect economic effects. The multiplier
usually used in tourism impact studies is the “income multiplier” which is basically a
coefficient which expresses the amount of income generated in an area by an
additional unit of tourist spending.
INTRODUCTION ABOUT FAIRS AND FESTIVALS OF HIMACHAL

PRADESH

Festivals and fairs are an important part of the cultural life of the people of Himachal
Pradesh. They have educational, social as well as a religious character. These serve
the need of social cooperation not only for economic subsistence, but also for
cultural survival.

Some of the festivals of himachal are derived from the sectarian Hinduism of the
period and after the immigration of the high caste Hindus (7 th century to 15th century)
from the Indian plains. Most of the immigrants were petty chiefs and they introduced
here Vaishnava festivals like Holi, Dussehra and Diwali etc. There are many festivals
which are associated with the worship of Shiva and Shakti and some others which
are connected with places of pilgrimage.

The seasons have also played a major role in giving a shape to the festivals. Every
season has its own appropriate festival, the ceremonies in each being largely
influenced by the climatic needs or the other natural phenomena of the particular
season. Thus, the arrival of winter is heralded by the festival of the bofire and the
summer by the festival of flowers.

In Himachal Pradesh these festivals play a great part in the life of the peasants.
Indeed, these form their chief holidays. On these occasions, men, still more than
them, women and children, do their best and gather in great numbers near a place of
worship. After the offerings have been made, they enjoy the excitement of being
together in large numbers and looking playfully at each other.

With the exception of a few, all the principle Hindu festivals of Northern India are
celebrated in Himachal Pradesh with usual rites. On the festival day, the people
generally keep themselves free from the daily routine work. They take bath, most
wear neat and clean clothes, cook special foods, perform worship at the temple and
at the times, sing and dance in the open.
FAIRS
The concept of fair in himachal Pradesh is quite different from what it is in other parts
of the country. Any cluster of shops, or a chain of merry-go-rounds and idyllic sports
does not adorn the fair venue here. The community Gods and their devotees form
the congregation which according to tradition creates the atmosphere of a fair. The
gods with their devotees dance and participate on such an occasion whose sanctity
is preserved almost zealosusly. Some are agricultural or commercial fairs. But most
of these are held in an atmosphere of éclat and gaiety displaying people’s traditional
urge for a get-to-gather in a style unique to the hills.
Every fair and festival of Himachal Pradesh has a legendary origin which is the
governing factor in each of such gatherings. Hill people are very much in love with
their ancient traditions and, therefore, they have tended to perpetuate their social life
in its original style without the least regard for the so called sophistication.
Fairs, as a media of mass recreation, are very popular in Himachal Pradesh. All the
year round there is a regular cycle of fairs held in various parts of the state. They
may be divided into the following four types:
1. Seasonal logical fairs
2. Mythological fairs
3. Trade and Agricultural fairs
4. Fairs connected with festivals.
Men, women and children of all ages, classes and creeds flock in hundreds and
enjoy the fascinating features of a fair: wrestling, archery, singing and dancing. They
play on instruments such as drums, tambourines and trumpets. To a lover of culture,
a Himachal fair is an aesthetic treat.
Nearly every hamlet has a fair during summer and care is exercised to prevent
adjacent hamlets from having their fair on the same day. There is almost a
continuous succession of fairs. To the accompaniment of music, the villages deity is
carried out of the temple to the village greens where there is a congregation of other
gods and people. The principal deity, dances in the centre. The people form a ring
round the deity singing, dancing and shouting lustily. Women wearing gay coloured
head dresses called “ dathus” and pattus, (woollen sheet) form bright groups of
spectators seated on the terraces around.
LITERATURE REVIEW

EVENTS AND TOURISM

Events themselves do not have to attract tourists to the area to play an important
role in a tourism development (Getz, 1991). However, there is a reason why tourists
need something to do in their free time. They will be looking for attractions or events
in a tourism destination, and expect what a tourism destination offers. Events can
contribute to a perception that a place is a nice area to visit during travel. Events will
heighten visitors’ experience and make tourists’ stay longer and encourage them to
spend more time in tourism destinations (Getz, 1991). An event provides newness,
freshness and changes, which sustain local interest in a destination and enhance its
appeals to visitors.
Tourist attractions and theme parks incorporate events as a key element in their
marketing programs. Getz notes that the policy needs to consider an event as a
closely related field with tourism (1991). A tourist expects events with a wide variety
of tourism attractions to animate and interpret their products (Getz, 1997).
An event affects expansion of the tourist season and also the off-season. Winter
sports can be the basis of seasons in northern climates, with sports competition and
winter carnivals, and alpine cultural events. Killoren said Seattle effectively uses
events when the number of tourists is reduced in the off-season (wet winter) and
hotel occupancy is low. At this time the art events are in high gear (M, Killoren,
personal communication, March 25 to April, 2002).

DEFINITION OF TERMS

The definitions of Event, Special Event, and Festival might be confused without
accurate definitions of them. The problem is how we can classify these terms by
using some kind of a measure. There are many definitions of Event, Special Event,
and Festival among researchers. However, there is an eternal conception. An event
includes a special event, mega-event, and festival within itself. Special event is a
kind of an event, mega-event is a kind of an event, and festival is also a kind of an
event. That is to say that a festival could be a festival itself and simultaneously, a
festival could be an event in an inclusive conception. There are researches which
mention the relationship among them: festival is an important component of events
(Mihalik & Ferguson, 1994); festival can be (and often are) mega-events; festival is
a component of mega-events; mega-event is essentially a festival focused around a
specific theme (Walle, 1996): a festival can be a special event, but not all special
events are festivals (Getz, 1991).

Event: a notable occurrence, affair, result or something special. However, in this

study, event will be used as a synonym for special event (Getz, 1991)

Special Event: Any event outside the normal range of programs and activities of the
sponsoring or managing organization. This is a one-time event, not to be repeated.
To the customer, a special event is an opportunity for a leisure, social, or cultural
experience (Getz, 1991).

Festival: A public, themed celebration (Getz, 1991).

Event Tourism: A contact of varying intensity, during travel, with the natural history,
human heritage, arts and philosophy that pervade tourism destinations and/or their
cultural institutions (Minister of Industry, Science and Technology, 1993).

Culture: A whole set of implicit, widely shared beliefs, traditions, values, and
expectations that characterize a particular group of people (Pizam, 1993)

Infrastructure: systems in place, which allows for the efficient functioning of a

business activity or concentration of people, example, transportation, electricity,
water, and sewage, etc, (Gartner, 2000).

There are many definitions on Festival Tourism. The latest one suggests that festival
tourism includes festivals, rallies, fairs, expositions, sports and cultural life, etc. It has
various sizes, a specific theme and hold regularly or irregularly in the same region in
a particular time, it can attract large number of tourists outside the region unlike
conventional life line of people, events and programs (Lian, 2004).

Festival Tourism could be divided into traditional festival and modern festival
according to its origins and activities involved. Traditional festivals are passed from
generation to generation based on rich cultural heritage. On the other hand, festivals
are planed entirely in line with market demand, based on local characteristics or
consumer behavior (Huang, 2004). Based on Lian and Huang theories, a new
concept of Festival Tourism was brought up by the two scholars. Festival Tourism, a
kind of festival activity that has tourism value and has gotten certain tourism benefits,
can bring significant economic, cultural and social benefits in a short period of time
under a successful operation.

Among these benefits, cultural function and economic function are enormous.
Culture is the soul of the festival and the economy is the life of the festival. These
two aspects are interrelated. Festival Tourism is a special tourism product. Generally
speaking, festivals could fall into a national cultural festival or a reasonable extension
of regional culture. The uniqueness means that it will not be repeated within a certain
area and not easy to replicate in other regions, either.

Festival Tourism plays an important role in the current tourism activities. Most people
will especially travel to attend a festival. Therefore, festival tourism activities can be
arranged in a reasonable time so that it can help the area be one of top destinations.
In the local culture, the Festival Tourism has played an active role to enhance urban
functions and shape tourism image to attract tourists.

While Hede (2007) explains that special event research emerged as an area of
tourism management in the mid 1970s, it was during the 1980s that the study of
events began to grow dramatically in academia (Getz 2008). The marked rise of
academic interest in events in that decade was closely linked to their role in place-
marketing, a type of civic boosterism that views culture instrumentally (Loftman and
Nevil 1996). Undoubtedly, this was an important context shaping research enquiry
into festivals and events from then onwards. While the use of hallmark events as a
civic boosterism instrument has been critiqued (Boyle 1997), it was widely viewed as
a positive development among tourism researchers. Events are seen as an
important motivator in tourism (Getz 2008), and as an effective enhancer of
destination image (Hall 1992, Ritchie 1984). Hallmark events, for example, usually
held in city locations, have been labelled ‘our new image-builders’ (Burns and
Mules 1986) and a whole new discourse, including a new set of definitions and
terminology, has been developed to examine the phenomenon. ‘Special events’ was
an early and encompassing term used in the literature.

This was understood to encompass different types of events including mega events
(e.g. Olympic Games and World Cup), hallmark events (those closely linked with a
destination), festivals and other more modest events. Over time, definitions were
refined. Mega events, for example, were defined by Ritchie (1984: 2) as ‘major one-
time or recurring events of limited duration, developed primarily to enhance the
awareness, appeal, and profitability of a tourism destination in the short and/or long
term’. Within a place-marketing ethos, and from a supply perspective, festivals came
to be increasingly defined simply as just one more type of event. Their festive,
playful, celebrative qualities were recognised and prized because festivals offer
tourists glimpses of local uniqueness (Litvin and Fetter 2006), diverse cultural
experiences (Hall 1992) and opportunities to participate in distinctive, collective
experiences (Getz 1989). However, there was little attempt to draw on established
understandings of festivals as socially and culturally important phenomena involved
in the construction of place and community identity (as distinct from image identity).
While their reproduction as tourist attractions was sometimes problematized (e.g.
Greenwood 1972), critical perspectives such as this did not noticeably influence the
emerging event literature.

EVENT, TOURISM AND CULTURE ATTRACTION OF CULTURAL

EVENT TOURISM

A Festival is one of the sub-fields in an event. Many event assemblies for

commercial, religious, or businesses developed today’s festivals, fairs, and public
events.
A festival comprises performances, arts, and crafts demonstrations, and other
interaction between the festival and participants. European Center for Traditional and
Regional Cultures (ECTARC) considered events and festivals to be one of the
attractions of cultural tourism because of these characteristics of events and festivals
(Richards, 1996). Many small towns host short-term festivals for profit, and some
communities use festivals as a boost to tourism for the off-season (Goldblatt, 2002).
When the unique attractions of communities meet tourists’ satisfaction, a festival
simultaneously gets the most effective profit from the festival itself as well as tourists.
A festival gives residents experiences of a local culture, and at the same time, gives
tourists a chance to experience different cultures between themselves and a tourism
destination (University of Minnesota, 1998). San Francisco has its “Chinese New
Year Festival” in February. This festival is a celebration for Chinese. However, San
Francisco Convention Tourists Bureau (CVB) advertises this festival to tourists as a
local-color festival

A BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

Janiskee (1980: 97) explained that festivals and events can be understood as
‘formal periods or programs of pleasurable activities, entertainment, or events having
a festive character and publicly celebrating some concept, happening or fact’. The
festive and public celebratory characteristics noted in this definition are important
because festivals and events have long existed as significant cultural practices
devised as forms of public display, collective celebration and civic ritual. In fact,
according to Turner (1982: 11) people in all cultures recognise the need to set aside
certain times and spaces for communal creativity and celebration. These practices
date back centuries. Often they were allied to the rhythms of agrarian society (Rolfe,
1992). Very often there were religious underpinnings, as in many of the festivals that
Fox Gotham (2005a) reminds us existed in the Middle Ages. Public displays and
civic ritual were significant in Renaissance times (Muir 1997), while Geppert (2004)
explains how imperial and international exhibitions came to be part of both public life
and the collective imagination in Europe from the middle of the 19th century
onwards. Researchers consistently point to the fact that throughout these earlier
periods, festivals and events “encapsulate identity, in terms of the nation state, a
sense of place, and the personal and heterogeneous identities of a people”
(Matheson 2005 p. 224). Historical research demonstrates how festival and events
have a long history of acting as tourist attractions and of effecting the reproduction of
places as tourism destinations. Gold and Gold (2005: 268) describe how the
recognition of Greenwich as the fulcrum of the earth’s time zones in 1884 inspired
the hosting of a year long festival intended to boost international tourism to the city.
Adams (1986) discusses how, as long ago as 1859, the Handel Centenary Festival
held in London’s Crystal Palace was marketed as a tourist attraction with the
organisers distributing 50,000 prospectuses in the European offices of the railway
companies serving the Crystal Palace.

Simultaneously, these transient, albeit often recurring, phenomena acted as an

important means of collective identification for the communities hosting the events.
Then as now, they engendered local continuity and constituted opportunities for
asserting, reinforcing, reproducing and sometimes contesting prevailing social
norms, cultural values and beliefs. Falassi (1987: 3) argued that festivals ‘renew
periodically the life stream of a community and give sanctions to its institutions’. In a
similar vein, Bonnemaison (1990) argued that what the literature terms the
‘hallmark event’ (see below for definition) functions like a monument, supporting and
reinforcing the image of established power, whether religious or secular.

Festivals and events thus have a long historical trajectory, and embody the traditions
of various pasts. They have flourished again in contemporary society, following a
decline from the mid 20th century onwards (Boissevain 1992). Their recent
proliferation is noted by many researchers (e.g. Manning 1983, Rolfe 1992,
Prentice and Andersen 2003, Gursoy, Kim and Uysal 2004, Quinn 2005a) and is
allied to their tourism potential. A set of demand-driven factors underpin their growth,
including socialization needs, the growth of serious leisure (Prentice and Andersen
2003) and the move towards the consumption of experiences (Getz 2008). On the
production side, as discussed consistently in contributions to urban studies and
urban geography literatures, the contemporary explosion of festivals and events is
explained in terms of urban restructuring processes. A key driver for the growth and
reinvention of festivals and events internationally has been their potential to deliver a
series of development outcomes in terms of economic restructuring and
revitalisation, destination repositioning, inward investment and tourism revenue
generation (good items for evaluating the “success” of festivals and events). For
example, Schuster (2001) has argued that festivals and events staged as urban
ephemera or urban spectacle yield economic benefits by raising the profile of places,
their products and institutions and attracting flows of tourists, capital and inward
investment. For many western cities, a key motivation in developing festival and
event strategies has been to recover from long-term economic decline. Festivals and
events have been part of a wider range of new ‘cultural strategies’ (Fox Gotham
2005a) used to regenerate and orient post-production economies towards
consumption (Zukin 1995) where leisure, entertainment and tourism underpin an
‘experience economy’ (Pine and Gilmore 1999). Meanwhile, for these cities, as well
as for those trying to get onto the global stage for the first time, festivals and events
form part of place-marketing strategies, fuelled by an ideology of globalization,
localization and competition among cities. Shin (2004), for instance, presents the
case of the Gwangju Biennale Festival as being representative of recent cultural
festivals in South Korea, where the image of a ‘city of art’ was one of the
standardized images developed by local governments to reshape the images of
several South Korean cities. As in the past, festivals and events entail public display
and festive celebration, thus creating interest and attracting attention as they
invigorate and enliven places.

THE CHANGE OF TOURISTS’ CHOICE TO CULTURAL TOURISM

(NEW TREND)

In the past, natural scenery was the most attractive to tourists. By reason of the
tourists’ preference, sightseeing had the same meaning as travel (Goeldner,
Mcintosh, and Ritchie, 2000). Travel agencies would have very similar package
programs for typical tourists in the past. However, now, a tourist is changing. Today's
traveler is generally well-educated, informed, and in search of new ideas and fulfilling
adventures.
Cultural tourism is travel, which includes knowledge-based experiences, exploring
the unique history and character of a place; discovering what makes an event or
location unique, and personal discovery via the arts and humanities (Cultural
Tourism, 2002).
Tourists want to travel for experience, which is something special in the tourism
destination. Axel Dessau, former director of the Danish National Tourists Office, is
credited with this concept of “life-seeing tourism”(Goeldner, Mcintosh, and Ritchie,
2000). Tourists want more activities and local culture. Japanese travel agencies
have “semi-order” package programs available. Half of a schedule is developed by a
travel agency, and the other half by a schedule selected by the customer. Dakana
Ichiro, a director of the Japanese National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
mentioned that this is a travel trend in Japan, and tourism agencies can developed a
semi-order to satisfy the cultural curiosity (Yoon, 1998). World Tourism Organization
(WTO) announced that the demand for cultural and art tourism continued to increase
rapidly in1985. Now about 40% of tourists participate in cultural tourism, such as
heritage, arts, culture, etc,.Especially, tourists involved with films, music, arts have
the propensity for higher consumerism (Worldcup Munhwa-Jinhung, 2001).

CULTURAL TOURISM FESTIVAL

There is copious evidence in literature on the benefits of cultural tourism festivals to

destinations. It is reported that festivals contribute to the local regeneration and
prosperity of the destination. This is because it generates new employment
opportunities (Prentice and Andersen, 2003; Smith, 2004). It encourages the
development of a kind of infrastructure which is visitor friendly and sustainable.
Bachleitner and Zins (1992) assert that festival tourism enhances residents
learning, awareness appreciation of community pride, ethnic identity, tolerance of
others and brings about the opening of small and medium sized family enterprises. It
is also believed that cultural events foster cross-cultural communication that can
promote understanding between the host and the guest (Sdrali and Chazapi, 2007).
A region can make a name for itself and establish its competitive position among
country or nations through tourism (Smith, 2004). Falassi (1987, p. 2) defines
cultural festival as:

“a periodically recurrent, social occasion in which, through a multiplicity of forms and

series of coordinated events, participate directly or indirectly and to various degree,
all members of a whole community, united by ethnic, linguistic, religious, historical
bonds, and sharing a world view.”
The community (government, community and stakeholders) have values and
expectations for staging a festival. These are expressed as social reproduction.

TOURISTS SATISFACTION

Past research revealed that customer satisfaction is an important theoretical as well

as practical issue. For most marketers and consumer researchers, customer
satisfaction is regarded as a marketing tool to attract the most variable segments of
the market. According to Kozak and Rimmimgton (2000) satisfaction is important to
successful destination marketing, Philip and Hezlett (1996) recognize the fact that
one of the strategic routes used by leisure firms in gaining competitive edge has
been through an increase concentration in customer satisfaction. They also seem to
be agreement in the fact that, customer satisfaction influence the choice of
destination, the consumption of products and services and the decision to return.
Customer satisfaction is increasingly becoming a corporate goal as more and more
companies strive for quality in their product or service.

The phenomenology of customer satisfaction has received so much attention by both

academics and practitioners in the field of marketing and psychology. The common
theories underpinning the concept of customer satisfaction are:

- The expectation - disconfirmation model (Oliver, 1980).

- Expectation - perception gap model (Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry, 1985).

- Performance - only model (Pizman and Millman, 1993).

- Pivotal–core- peripheral (PCP) model (Philip and Hazlett, 1996).

Bitner and Hubbert (1994) describe customer satisfaction as a feeling or an attitude

of a customer towards a service after it has been used. Studies have also confirmed
that there is a relationship between service quality, satisfaction and behavioral
intention and then service quality and behavioural intention. As defined by Cronin
and Mackey (1992:127) service quality reflects a consumer’s evaluative perceptions
of a service encounter at a specific point in time. In contrast, customer satisfaction
judgments are experimental in nature, involving both an end-state and process, and
reflecting both emotional and cognitive elements.
In the field of marketing, and leisure, there is a general acceptance of the claim that
service quality influence overall customer satisfaction (Lee, Graefe & Burns, 2004;
Valle et al; 2006; Huh, 2002; Crompton and Love, 1995: Parasuraman, Zeithaml
and Berry, 1988; Cronin and Mackey, 1992).

CULTURAL FESTIVAL ATTRIBUTES

Extensive literature search revealed a large array of tourism and leisure attributes
that researchers have investigated.

Early studies according to Mayo (1973) and Hunt( 1975) used generic attributes
such as topography, climate, resident population, life-style, and recreational
character. It is observed that following the increase in the list of attributes, factor
analysis technique have been used by researchers to identity the important ones.
The difference scores on domain among target markets of interest are guide to the
identification of the strengths and weaknesses of a destination market position
(Crompton and Love; 1995).

Andersen, Prentice and Guerin (1997) use the following attributes in their research
of cultural tourism destination attributes of Demark; historical building, museum,
galleries, theatres, festivals, shopping, food, places, famous peoples, castles, sports
and old towns. Sofield and Li (1995) used the following attributes in their study in
China; history, culture, traditional festivals, historical events, beautiful scenic
heritage, historical sites, architecture, folk arts (music, dancing, craft work) and
cultural village. Jodice et al (2006) used hours of operation, accessibility,
cleanliness of the city, attitude of the host community, management actions, facilities
(lodging, parking space) and infrastructure (road, street light and medical centres).
Huh (2002)) used arts/craft, accessibility, accommodation, food in the study of
satisfaction attributes of the Virginia Triangle. Lee, Graefe and Burns (2004) argue
that satisfaction cannot be understand only in terms of the effect of service quality
but suggested the inclusion of domain such as social settings, managing setting and
resource setting. Teas (1993) in a similar argument posit that a customer’s overall
satisfaction with a transaction is function of his or her assessment of service quality,
product quality and price.
There are few studies that are specifically on cultural festivals. Crompton and Love
(1995) in their study of the two day Victorian Christmas Festival celebration used the
following attributes; ambience of the environment, source of information on the site,
comfortable amenities, parking and interaction with vendors. Anwar and Sohail
(2004) used variety of food, well organized, peaceful and natural environment,
thrilling experience, ideal beaches and immense shopping opportunities as festival
attributes. A combination of these attributes makes a festival a Total Touristic
product (TTP).

CULTURAL EVENT TOURISM PRODUCTS

Korean Tourism depends greatly on Japanese tourists. In April, 2002, 41.6% of

foreign tourists were Japanese (KNTO, 2002). The Korean National Tourism
Organization (KNTO) suggests cultural event tourism as an alternative plan to induce
European, American and Chinese tourists to visit, because their interest in cultural
tourism is relatively higher than the Japanese.
Cultural event tourism has already been proven to play an important part in tourism.
Many countries have used their cultural resources in communities, and developed
culturally characterless regions into world tourism cities (Worldcup Munwha Jin-
Hung, 2001). During two weeks in 1997, October Festival (Oktoberfest) in Munich,
Germany, the festival employees numbered 12,000, visitors 6,000,000. The
1,300,000 Munich residents and visitors consumed 5 million liters of beer, 40
thousand sausages, and 6 thousand chickens (Worldcup Munwha Jin-Hung,
2001). Japan was called a country of festivals because of many yearly festivals. The
Japan Tourism Organization (JNTO) collected statistics showing that the number of
annual events and festivals is 8,225 (JNTO, 2002). The government helps some
festivals that do not have a selfsupporting economy. Sapporo is a city famous for
snow and beautiful winter scenery.
The Sapporo Snow Festival in 1997 announced that the total ripple effect of a
festival is $2,457,912,576 ($1=Yen 118.8). Festival visitors were 1,856,000:
residents were 951,000 and nonresidents were 905,000. The purpose of the festival
was to encourage residents to attend, and for social exchanges between residents
and Japanese from other cities, and foreigners. A festival committee invited
residents to join the snow festival, prepared a recreation area and collected ideas
about the snow festival’s theme. These efforts involving residents definitely
increased participation of residents (Korean Travel Journal, July,1998). Yufuin-
Machi is an example of how a city without a cultural background can develop as a
cultural festival city. In 1970, Yufuin-Machi’s economy declined. Residents tried to
find a way to increase their economy. They rented a town hall for screening movies
in 1976 and have held film conferences. A catch phrase was “a town without
cinemas, but there are films”. Now, Yuhuin-Machi has 120 accommodations that can
receive 5000 persons per day. Three million tourists visit this city per year and 1
million among them stay over 1 day (World Cup Munhwa Jin-Hung, 2002).
Tanglewood has the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) festival in summer. In this
season, this city is crowded with tourists from all around the world. Michelene
McClennen, department of marketing and sales in BSO, mentioned that they
promote BSO at tourism promotion markets because culture is one part of a tourism
product. If a tourism agency want to plan a tourism package involved with BSO, they
offer a sale price to an agency and tourist (Kim, 1998).

DIFFERENCE IN VISITOR SATISFACTION BASED ON DEMOGRAPHIC

AND BEHAVIOURAL CHARACTERISTICS

A search of relevant literature shows that extensive studies have been done by
tourism and recreation experts to establish the dependence of satisfaction on
demographic and behvioural characteristics. Valle et al (2006) found no significant
dependence between cluster members and demographic variables (gender,
occupation, marital status and type of lodging), but found educational level,
nationality and age significantly dependent. Jodice et al (2006) observed that no
significant variations was found among segments in terms of respondents
demographic profile except personal income.

Huh (2002) observes significant relationship between overall tourists satisfaction and
gender only. There was no significance difference with age, state of origin,
educational level, and total household income. In terms of behavioural
characteristics, Huh (2002) found significance dependence between overall
satisfaction and tourists’ past experience.

No significant difference was found with length of stay, membership of group and
distance to destination. Martin,

Bridges and Grunwell (2006) found that gender, age and income distribution in the
sample are significantly different between years of event based on Chi-square test.
On behavioural characteristic, there was significant dependence in terms of
accommodation type and spending. Valle et al (2006) had also reported significant
variation in the cluster membership on the bases of length of stay in destination and
mode of transportation. Overview of prior literature on the effect of demographic and
behavioural characteristics on tourists’ perception and satisfaction with cultural
tourism festival and to a large extent cultural /heritage destination shows that, there
is no consensus as to the role these factors play in determining tourist satisfaction.
However majority of the studies support the suggestion that socio-demographic
variables of tourists are poor segmentation bases given the fact that, the leisure
preference transcend beyond the individual.

RESEARCH GAP
From the literature review it is clear that a very less study/ research has been done
on the “Role of Fairs and Festivals in Tourism Promotion in Himachal Pradesh”
RESEARCH DESIGN

NEED AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The ancient Indians texts, the Puranas had declared, “In the thousand ages of the
Gods, I could not tell you of the wonders of Himalayas.” Therefore since ages
Himalayas are the major destination for the tourists. During the Nineteenth century
with the involvement of the British, Himalayas becomes important destination as a
health resort. After independence, tourism has increased manifold in Himalayan
region and became a major source of employment and income for the people.

Event and festival tourism is one of the fastest growing forms of tourism. It is
becoming increasingly popular in rural areas as a means to revitalise local
economies. Advancing technologies and changing weather patterns (i.e. increase in
droughts and floods/storms) have brought about the need for diversification of
industry in areas previously reliant on traditional industries such as farming, or
narrowly focussed tourism industries. Events and festivals have been used with
great success in many such areas as a means to draw people to regions that
traditionally have a seasonal tourist appeal. Today festivals are considered to
contribute significantly to the cultural and economic development wealth of India.
The festivals have major impact on the development of cultural tourism to the host
communities. The festival organisers are now using the historical and cultural
themes to develop the annual events to attract visitors and creating cultural image in
the host cities by holding festivals in the community settings. The desire for festivals
and events is not specifically designed to address the needs for any one particular
group. The hosting of events is often developed because of the tourism and
economic opportunities addition to social and cultural benefits. Many researchers
have contested that local communities plays vital role in development of tourism
through festivals.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Tourism plays a major role towards promotion of national integration, international

goodwill and understanding. It encourages peaceful relations between the people
and countries. Tourism is the main source of employment. It is a highly labour-
intensive industry. It provides employment to both skilled and unskilled. Tourism give
rises to multiplier effect. It enables the wealth earned in one part of the country to be
transferred in other parts.

Tourism is a major source of foreign exchange. Himachal Pradesh has a vast

potential for festival tourism. Festivals and fairs are an important part of the cultural
life of the people of Himachal Pradesh. They have educational, social as well as a
religious character. These serve the need of social cooperation not only for
economic subsistence, but also for cultural survival.

Some of the festivals of himachal are derived from the sectarian Hinduism of the
period and after the immigration of the high caste Hindus (7 th century to 15th century)
from the Indian plains. Most of the immigrants were petty chiefs and they introduced
here Vaishnava festivals like Holi, Dussehra and Diwali etc. There are many festivals
which are associated with the worship of Shiva and Shakti and some others which
are connected with places of pilgrimage.

With the exception of a few, all the principle Hindu festivals of Northern India are
celebrated in Himachal Pradesh with usual rites.That explains the need of this
survey.

OBJECTIVES

1. To know about various fairs and festivals of Himachal Pradesh.

2. To study the role of fairs and festivals in tourism promotion of the state.
3. To know about fairs and festivals mainly of touristic appeal..
4. To know the satisfaction level of tourists for various services attained during
their visit to fairs and festivals of the state.
SAMPLE SELECTION

DATA SELECTION

1) Secondary data: -
To find out the tourism potential, basic information obtained from

i) Annual plans and economics review of HP.

ii) Five year plan of the govt. of India and of the state.

iii) Annual reports and accounts of HP Financial Corporation.

iv) Annual reports of state tourism department.

v) Magazines (Outlook traveller, Discover India etc.), travel guides, newspapers,

and various websites.

vi) Brochures provided by state tourism department.

2) Primary Data: -
The primary data for the study was collected from the tourists, to find
out the phenomenon of festival tourism in the state.

Format for the Questionnaire

One set of questionnaire for tourists as per annexure was

prepared so as to get comprehensive information.

SAMPLE DESIGN

50 questionnaires were filled by respondents i.e. tourists visiting the state.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Analysis and interpretation of Data/tools and technologies:-

Keeping in view of the study, the data collected was analysed and interpreted with
the help of the as:

- Mathematical Method
- Graphical Methods

I) Mathematical Methods: - In the present study the data collected was

analysed with the help of the mathematical methods such as Simple
average and growth rate.
II) Graphical Methods:- In the present study the data collected was
analysed with the graphs where needed in the following ways:
- Bar Diagram
- Pie Diagram

LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

1. Some of the respondents during the investigations were found reluctant to

disclose the desired information, therefore result may vary.
2. Secondary data was collected from documents of the tourism corporation;
hence the study is also restricted by the limitation of the secondary data.
3. The study covered different information collected from the respondents for a
limited period; therefore the results of the study may be affected by such
limitation.

To sum up, the findings of the present study to some extent is affected by the above
limitations and results of the study should be evaluated by taking into consideration
these limitations.
INTRODUCTION TO FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

FAIR

A fair (archaic: fayre) is a gathering of people to display or trade produce or other

goods, to parade or display animals and often to enjoy
associated carnival or funfair entertainment. It is normally of the essence of a fair
that it is temporary; some last only an afternoon while others may last as long as ten
weeks. Activities at fairs vary widely. Some trade fairs are important regular business
events where either products are traded between businesspeople, as at
the Frankfurt Book Fair, where publishers sell book rights in other markets to other
publishers, or where products are showcased to largely consumer attendees, as for
example in agricultural districts where they present opportunities to display and
demonstrate the latest machinery on the market to farmers.

Fairs are also known by many different names around the world, such as agricultural
show, fête, county fair, exhibition or state fair, festival, market and show. Flea
markets and auto shows are sometimes incorporated into a fair.

FAYRE

Fayre is an archaic spelling of fair, used mostly from the 15th to the 17th century.
This spelling is now confusingly used for both fair and fare, the latter in the sense of
'food and drink'. In itself, the word means a gathering of stalls and amusements for
public entertainment. The alternate spelling is an old-fashioned affectation and is
used in order to remind revellers and participants of medieval fayres and markets. It
is mainly used for fairs that are essentially leisure rather than business events like
trade fairs and rides.

FAIRGROUNDS

The fair is an ancient tradition, and many communities have long had dedicated
fairgrounds; others hold them in a variety of public places, including streets and town
squares, or even in large private gardens. Fairs are often held in conjunction with a
significant event, such as the anniversary of a local historical event, a seasonal
event such as harvest time, or with a holidaysuch as Christmas.

HISTORY

In Roman times, fairs were holidays on which there was an intermission of labour

and pleadings. In the Middle Ages many fairs developed as temporary markets, and
were especially important for long-distance and international trade, as wholesale
traders travelled, sometimes for many days, for pre-arranged fairs where they could
be sure to meet those they needed to buy from or sell to. They were usually tied to a
special Christian religious occasion (particularly the anniversary dedication of
a church). Tradesmen would bring and sell their wares, even in the churchyards.
Such fairs might then continue annually, usually on the feast day of the  patron
saint to whom the church was dedicated. This custom was kept up until the reign
of Henry VI, by which time there were a great many fairs kept on these patronal
festivals, for example at Westminster on St. Peter's day, at Smithfield on St.
Bartholomew's (the famous Bartholomew Fair, celebrated inBen Jonson's play of the
same name) and at Durham on St. Cuthbert's day. The Kumbh Mela, held every
twelve years, at Allahabad,Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain is one of the largest fairs in
India, where over 60 million people gathered in January 2001, making it the largest
gathering anywhere in the world. In the United States, fairs draw in as many as 150
million people each summer. One example of the American county fair being
featured in a famous piece of literature is in E. B. White's Charlotte's Web. Children's
competitions at an American fair range from breeding small animals to robotics,
while the organization 4-H has become a traditional association.

PIE-POWDER COURTS

Because of the great numbers of people attracted by fairs they were often the
scenes of riots and disturbances, so the privilege of holding a fair was granted
by royal charter. At first they were only allowed in towns and places of strength, or
where there was some bishop, sheriff or governor who could keep order. In time,
various benefits became attached to certain fairs, such as granting people the
protection of a holiday, and allowing them freedom from arrests in certain
circumstances. The officials were authorised to do justice to those that came to their
fair; eventually even the smallest fair would have had a court to adjudicate on
offences and disputes arising within the fairground, which was called a pye
powder court (from Old French pieds pouldrés, literally "dusty feet", meaning an
itinerant trader, from Medieval Latin pedes pulverosi).

FREE FAIRS

Some fairs were free; others charged tolls and impositions. At free fairs, traders,
whether natives of the kingdom or foreigners, were allowed to enter the kingdom,
and were under royal protection while travelling to and returning from the fair. The
traders, their agents, and their goods were exempt from all duties and impositions,
tolls and servitudes; merchants going to or coming from the fair could not be
arrested, or have their goods stopped.

Such fairs (especially those of the Mediterranean region and some inland regions,

particularly Germany), were extremely important in the commerce of Europe. The
most famous were those of:

 The Asia's Largest Cattle fair " Sonepur Mela "

 The Champagne fairs in Champagne and Brie regions of France in the Middle
Ages
 The Frankfurt Book Fair remains the most important fair in international
publishing, as it has been since at least the 17th century.
 Archangel in Arkhangelsk Oblast), Russia
 Banská Bystrica, Slovakia (Radvanský jarmok)
 Beauclaire, Languedoc, (France)
 Munich, Oktoberfest, (Germany)
 Frankfurt, Frankfurt Book Fair, (Germany)
 Guibray, Normandy, (France)
 Havana (Cuba)
 Plovdiv, (Bulgaria)
 Poznań (Poznań International Fair), (Poland)
 Leipzig (Leipzig Trade Fair), (Germany)
 Lyon, (France)
 Milan, Fiera di Senigaglia
 Rome, Porta Portese
 Novi, in the Milanese region of northern Italy
FESTIVAL

A festival or gala is an event, usually and ordinarily staged by a local community,

which centers on and celebrates some unique aspect of that community and the
Festival.

Among many religions, a feast is a set of celebrations in honour of God or gods. A

feast and a festival are historically interchangeable. However, the term "feast" has
also entered common secular parlance as a synonym for any large or
elaborate meal. When used as in the meaning of a festival, most often refers to
a religious festival rather than a film or art festival.

In the Christian liturgical calendar there are two principal feasts, properly known as

the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas) and the Feast of the Resurrection,
(Easter). In the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican liturgical calendars there
are a great number of lesser feasts throughout the year commemorating saints,
sacred events, doctrines, etc.

ETYMOLOGY

The word fest derives from the Middle English, from Middle French word festivus,

from the Latin word festivus. Festival was first recorded as a noun in 1589. Before it
had been used as an adjective from the fourteenth century, meaning to celebrate a
church holiday. The etymology of feast is very similar to that of festival. The word
"feste" comes from Middle English, from Middle French, from the Latin word festa.
Feast first came into usage as a noun circa 1200, and feast was used as a verb circa
1300. A festival is a special occasion of feasting or celebration, that is usually
religious. There can be many different types of festivals, like Halloween, Saturnellia,
and Christmas.
FUNCTION

Festivals, of many types, serve to meet specific needs, as well as to provide

entertainment. These times of celebration offer a sense of belonging for religious,
social, or geographical groups. Modern festivals that focus on cultural or ethnic
topics seek to inform members of their traditions. In past times, festivals were times
when the elderly shared stories and transferred certain knowledge to the next
generation. Historic feasts often provided a means for unity among families and for
people to find mates. Select anniversaries have annual festivals to commemorate
previous significant occurrences. Most festivals are either free or very low cost and
that is very purposeful so the arts can be accessible to as many people as possible.
Festivals also support economic prosperity of the vendors and shops around the
festival.

TYPES OF FESTIVALS

There are numerous types of festivals in the world. Though many have religious
origins, others involve seasonal change or have some cultural significance. Also,
certain institutions celebrate their own festival (often called "fests") to mark some
significant occasions in their history. These occasions could be the day these
institutions were founded or any other event which they decide to commemorate
periodically, usually annually.

Seasonal festivals

Seasonal festivals are determined by the [solar calendar|solar] and the lunar

calendars and by the cycle of the seasons. The changing of the season was
celebrated because of its effect on food supply. Ancient Egyptians would celebrate
the seasonal inundation caused by the Nile River, a form of irrigation, which provided
fertile land for crops. In the Alps, in autumn the return of the cattle from the
mountain pastures to the stables in the valley is celebrated as Almabtrieb. A
recognized winter festival, the Chinese New Year, is set by the lunar calendar, and
celebrated from the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice. An
important type of seasonal festivals are those related with the agricultural
seasons. Dree Festival of the Apatanis living in Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal
Pradesh is one such important festival, which is celebrated every year from July 4 to
7 praying for bumper crop harvest.

General

Further information: Category:Festivals

 Arts festival
 Beer festival
 Comedy festival
 Japanese Cultural festival
 Esala Perahera festival
 Film festival
 Fire festival
 Folk festival
 Food festival
 Literary festival
 Mela Festival
 Music festival
 Oyster Festival
 Peanut Festival
 Ribfest
 Religious festival
 Renaissance festival
 Rock festival
 Science festival
 Sindhi festivals
 Storytelling festival
 Theatre festival
 Wine festivals
 Winter festivals
CLASSIFICATION OF INDIAN FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Classification of fairs and festivals

in India and their role in the development of tourism. The diversity of fairs and
festivals in Indian sub-continent is enormous. It is simply because of many religions
and their participation to make a country, India. These fairs and festivals have their
own charm to attract tourists and thus they made their position in world tourism
calendar. India with her 5000 years culture and heritage nourishes these fairs and
festivals to depth, importance and colour. Fairs and festivals in India can be divided
in three categories.

Religious fairs and festivals: - religious and regional diversity allow Indians to
have different festivals like dusshera, diwali, Id, Christmas etc.

Seculer or Social festivals:- from Indian point of view we can keef Independence

Day, Republic Day, Book fair etc in this category.

Promotional festivals: - few festivals have been designed keeping the interest of
attracting tourists like mango festivals, desert festivals, kite festivals etc.

Beside these three categories of fairs and festivals there are few more festivals in
India which can be defined as cultural festivals. Few examples of this type are
Konark Dance Festivals, Mahabalipuram Dance Festival, and Tansen Festival of
Gwalior etc.
Department of Tourism, Govt of India and ITDC are working together to promote
these festivals all over the world and nowadays we can see participation of foreign
tourists in these festivals are increasing. Tourism in India has a very close relation
with the festivals. Till date the participation of domestic tourist was the main crowd in
these festivals but now the promotional efforts by the national tourism organizations
and different programs like Visit India or Incredible India are attracting a major
amount of foreign tourist. DoT started different zonal cultural centers allover the
country in 1998 and these centers are arranging cultural shows, light and sound
shows, handicraft shops etc to promote regional fairs like tribal fairs. And this activity
is not only promoting the culture but also bringing small places like Jagdalpur or
Joygaon in world tourism map. And thus Govt. of India also earning good amount of
FOREX.
FAIR AND FESTIVAL TOURISM IN INDIA

India is the land of fun and frolic. The Indians celebrate the various fairs and festivals
to the extent that there are more number of fairs and festivals in a year than the total
number of days. The rites and the rituals followed by the Indians, the enthusiasm
and faith that are constant features add to the charm of the fairs and festivals.

Most the Indian festivals are regional, seasonal or religious. The unity of the diverse
country like India can be seen at the national festivals of the Republic day (26th
January), Independence Day (15th August), Gandhi Jayanti i.e. the birth anniversary
of the father of the nation (2nd October) and Children's Day i.e. the birth anniversary
of Jawaharlal Nehru (14th November). The entire population of the nation rejoices on
these occasions that are landmarks events in the history of the nation and reveal the
integration. On Republic Day the colorful parade with tableaus from the different
states and the daring display of developments by the three wings, army, navy and air
force held near the India Gate in Delhi is amazing as well as novel. There is a big list
of the religious festivals that are celebrated in India. In the secular country of India
people light up their homes with as many lights on Diwali as on Christmas, the
fireworks are as loud as on Onam. The colors of Holi are spread across the castes
and creeds. Hindus commemorate the birth anniversaries of their deities as Ram
Navami, Maha Shivratri, Janam Ashtami similarly, the Sikhs remember their gurus
on Gurpurab. On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan an unspoken pledge is
exchanged between, a brother and sister cementing their fraternal relationship. 
Many of the festivals are subject to the lunar calendar. The Islamic festivals are
celebrated according to the Muslim or the hijri calendar. The month long fasting is
completed with Eid-ul-fitr. The Islamic year commences with Awal Muharram. It is
observed with attending religious lectures. The Jews rejoice on their New Year that
falls on the 7th of September. 

The various Indian fairs see people near and far participating and celebrating. The
party environment raises everyone's spirits. Fairs on the whole mean an occasion to
opportunity to make new friendships and renew old ones. Fairs are all about
partying, eating, shopping celebrating relations and making merry.

There is another list of seasonal fairs and festivals that are celebrated across India.
Teej celebrates the onset monsoon. The Ganguar fair and the festival of Baisakhi
are held in the harvest season. Down south the people perform the seasonal
ayyappa pooja. The harvest festival of Assam is Rongali Bihu, when unbounded joy
and enthusiasm is expressed through intoxicating songs and dances. 

The colorful costumes, the captivating customs reveal the cultural heritage of India.
Promotion of the Indian culture and heritage takes place at the famous Dance
Festival of Konark in Orissa and the Khajuraho temples of Madhya Pradesh. These
festivals have the enchanting temples as background. The dancers from various
parts of India participate in the festivals and perform the classical dances. These
festivals add to the cultural tourism in India.

At the Surajkund Crafts Fair artists, craftsmen, painters, weavers and sculptors from
various parts of the country flock to the Indian state Haryana to display and sell their
creations to the various connoisseurs of arts and crafts. Visiting the fair is not just
another way of spending a holiday in India for the tourists; it is an experience that
reveals the artistic heritage of India. 

People throng the Pushkar city of Rajasthan at the annual religious and cattle fair.
Trades, parades and race competitions are held for the camels, horses and cows.
The entire fair is a big draw for the tourism industry. The biggest cattle fair of Asia
takes place at Sonepur, Bihar annually. 

The Hindus actively participate in the Kumbh Mela held once in every three years
either on the banks of river Godavari in Nasik, Shipra in Ujjain, Ganges in Haridwar
or at the confluence of the three sacred rivers namely, Ganges, Yamuna and
Saraswati in Allahabad. This auspicious fair of the Purna or Maha Kumbh is
celebrated once in every twelve years at Allahabad. The delightful Hindu festival of
Dusshera also sees several fairs were people participate with much zest and
enthusiasm

Every year in July the sacred coastal city of Puri comes alive to celebrate the Rath
Yatra of Lord Jagannath. Amidst the resounding clash of cymbals, the tumultuous
thundering of drums, the three gods, Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister
Subhadra leave their above, the Jagannath temple, to journey to the Gundicha
Mandir. Millions of devotees flock to the city to watch the Triad ride in the elaborate
chariot through the streets of Puri. The festival is spectacular, the occasion
distinctive and the aura spiritual.

On the tenth day of the sixth month of the Ladakhi calendar, the Hemis monastery
turns into a very large stage where monks, tourists and people from all over the
world congregate for the famous masked dances. The Hemis festival lasts for two
days and is the largest monastery festival in all of Ladakh and Spiti. The Hemis
festival is not only a religious festival, but also an annual fair fro the entire region.
Tourism in India is promoted as men, women and children partake in the jubilation.
The localities are known to replenish their supplies for the next year. There are
shops selling jewelry, trinkets and food items as a part of the festivities. 

All the religious and the cultural fairs of India have added to the tourism prospects for
India. The holiday spent during the fairs and festivals of India is just an insight into
the place. The holiday is an occasion to relish the sights, sounds and sights of
captivating India. Savoring the specialties, dancing, singing and making merry. For
all the tourists the fairs and festivals of India offer special holidays to be cherished
forever. 

Of late festivals like Father's Day, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and Friendship Day
have come up to celebrate the given day of the year with the loved one. Though in
India, each day is lived and enjoyed with the near and dear ones. 

Amongst the many festivals, there is the Carnival of Goa, essentially a spring festival
celebrated with joy and revelry in the beautiful beach capital of India. This erstwhile
Portuguese settlement sings, dances and makes merry through the three days and
four nights of the Carnival. Tourists' inflow increases in leaps and bounds. 

On the whole the various fairs and festivals in India are an integral part of in the lives
of the people. Each little opportunity to enjoy is done justice to. Right from birth to
death the people rejoice each occasion that comes their way like birthday, marriage,
house warming. Festivities are time to reinforce the presence of God, rejuvenate
ourselves and surrounding, remind us of our rich past, preserve the heritage of the
country besides making merry by eating, drinking, shopping and exchanging gifts. 

The fun and frolic felt at the fairs and festivals can only be experienced rather than
explained. So you are welcome to the lovely land of India to visit the versatile country
with fantastic hues of fairs and festivals, which are bound to leave you, spell bound.
The Gods, Goddesses, gaiety, glory, gifts, and goodies galore at the fairs and
festivals, come be a part of them.
TOURISM IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

Himachal Pradesh is a land of snow capped mountains, cascading falls, verdant

valleys, ravenous ridges, pristine lakes and rippling rivers, of exceptional beauty. All
these jointly form the soul of Himachal Pradesh and people from across the world
visit here to enjoy the panorama of nature created by the brush of the Supreme
Artist. Here and there you would see red cheeked people with an amiable smile,
greeting you wholeheartedly into their motherland.

The sacrosanct Temples, revered Gurudwaras, consecrated Churches and holy

Mosques jointly form the spirit of Himachal Pradesh. A journey to Himachal Pradesh
is a trip to the hallowed land where the setting sun leaves yet another hopeful day- a
land where sages from time immemorial have acquired enlightenment. A visit to the
lakes would leave an indelible mark in your mind, the serenity of which is beyond
compare. Enjoy the land, the weather and the panorama once in your life, the door of
Himachal Pradesh is open to all.

QUICK HISTORY OF HIMACHAL PRADESH:

Himachal Pradesh came into being on April 15, 1948 and comprised 30 former hill
states. The state of Bilaspur was merged with Himachal Pradesh in 1954. The six
original districts were : Mahasu, Sirmaur, Mandi, Chamba, Bilaspur and Kinnaur. On
November 1, 1966certain parts of the state of Punjab were transferred to Himachal
Pradesh. These comprise the districts of Shimla, Kullu, Kangra and Lahaul and Spiti
and parts of Hoshiarpur and Ambala districts. Himachal Pradesh attained full
statehood on January 25, 1971 as the 18th State of the Union.

Old Himachal : consists of districts of Chamba, Kinnaur, Bilaspur, Mandi, Sirmaur

and Shimla. Actually the capital town Shimla was included in Himachal later, but it
has some area from old Himachal.

New Himachal : consists of districts of Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul and Spity, Hamirpur
and Una. ( What we see today as Himachal Pradesh is the combination of old
Himachal and the new Himachal ).

Tourism, as we understand it today, in Himachal Pradesh, received recognition only

in the 19th century, when the British established their chain of hill stations. Earlier,
Himachal had been a destination for pilgrims only. A fillip to tourism was
administered when British declared Shimla as summer capital of India in 1864. Post
independence and up -gradation as fledged State in the year 1971 led to more
investment in the infrastructure sector leading to opening up of the state. However
the biggest explosion in tourism occurred in the mid 80s and 90s with the Kashmir
problem when the number of hotels and hotel rooms increased within this period
from 350 to present 1710 and 6300 to 36000 respectively with its concomitant chaos
and haphazard growth which the State would have done well without. With the
wisdom of hind sight the State is now more equipped to deal with the problems of
yesteryears and this document attempts to address those very problems.
During the year 2004, the tourist arrivals in the state were 6.5 million which is roughly
equivalent to the population of the State.( 2.04 lacs were foreigners).In terms of
numbers therefore the State has done more than expected. The challenge now is to
attract quality tourists and increase the stay of the tourists in the State .We also need
to think globally as even the domestic tourists today have a choice unlike in the past.
By focussing on quality tourist the State Government also aims at promoting
sustainable tourism and encouraging the private sector to develop tourism related
infrastructure in the State – without disturbing the existing ecology and environment.

In order to increase the duration of the stay of the visitors/tourists, a special

emphasis is being placed on the development of activity-based tourism and opening
up new sub destinations. To promote tourism in the countryside and to lesser-known
areas, appropriate infrastructure will be developed within available resources.
Himachal was earlier known only for the summer season. Efforts are being made to
break the seasonality factor and tourism products have been diversified to attract the
tourists in other seasons too. Now Himachal is known as “A Destination for All
Seasons and All Reasons.”

Tourism contributes nearly 8% of the State Domestic Product which is roughly the
same as horticulture sector. With careful planning and infrastructural development,
the Policy proposes to increase it to 15% by the year 2020.
CULTURE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Himachal was one of the few states that had remained largely untouched by external
customs, largely due to its difficult terrain. With the technological advancements the
state has changed very rapidly.

Himachal Pradesh is a multireligional, multicultural as well as multilingual state like

other Indian states. Some of the most commonly spoken languages
includes Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari, Dogri, Mandeali, Kangri and Kinnauri. The Hindu co
mmunities residing in Himachal include
the Brahmins, Rajputs, Kannets, Rathis and Kolis. There are also tribal population in
the state which mainly comprise Gaddis,Kinnars, Gujjars, Pangawals and Lahaulis.

Himachal is well known for its handicrafts. The carpets, leather works, shawls,
paintings, metalware, woodwork and paintings are worth appreciating. Pashmina
shawl is one of the product which is highly in demand not only in Himachal but all
over the country. Himachali caps are also famous art work of the people.

Local music and dance reflects the cultural identity of the state. Through their dance
and music, they entreat their gods during local festivals and other special occasions.

Apart from the fairs and festivals that are celebrated all over India, there are number
of other fairs and festivals also that are of great significance to Himachal Pradesh.

The day to day food of Himachalis is very similar to the rest of the north India. They
too have lentil, broth, rice, vegetables and bread. As compared to other states in
north India non-vegetarian cuisine is more preferred. Some of the specialities of
Himachal include Pateer, Chouck, Bhagjery and chutney of Til.

ETHNICITY
Around 96% of the population of the state is of Hindus. The major communities
includes Brahmins, Rajputs, Kannets, Rathis and Kolis. The tribal population
comprises the Gaddis, Kinnars, gadoun,(jadoun) Tanolis. Gujjars, Pangawals and
Lahaulis. The Gaddis are the shepherds who migrate from the alpine pasture regions
to the lower regions during the cold winter season. The Kinnars are the inhabitants of
Kinnaur and they generally practice polyandry and polygamy. The Gujjars are
nomadic people who rear buffalo herds. The Lahaulis of Lahaul and Spiti region
mainly comprises Buddhists.

PEOPLE & LIFESTYLE

Himachal Pradesh is a multireligional, multicultural as well as multilingual state like

other Indian states. The Hindu communities residing in Himachal include
the Brahmins, Rajputs,Kannets, Rathis and Kolis. There are also tribal population in
the state which mainly comprise Gaddis, Kinnars, Gujjars, Pangawals and Lahaulis.
In some areas, like Lahaul and Spiti, there is a majority of Buddhist population since
the area is located near Tibet. A percentage of people are also Tibetans. Muslim,
Christian and Sikhs are in minority but they also enjoy the same rights as Hindus.

Though hindi is the state language, many people speak Pahari also. Pahari itself has
many dialects and all of them trace their origin to the Sanskrit language- also known
as origin of all languages. A majority of the population is engaged in agricultural
practices, however the more educated of them are now moving towards tertiary
sectors. As per the traditional dressing norms the dress of the Brahmin male
includes dhoti, kurta, coat, waistcoat, turban and a hand towel while that of the
Rajput male consists of tight fitting churidar pyjamas, a long coat and a starched
turban. With the changing time the dress up of the people has now become a mixed
one. Though the above mentioned style is now hardly followed, people have started
wearing western style of clothes.

The typical house is constructed of clay bricks and the roofs are of slate. In some
areas the slate roof is also replaced by timber.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

The handicraft that comes out of this state and is worth appreciating are the carpets,
leather works, shawls, paintings, metal ware, woodwork and paintings. Pashmina
shawl is the product which is highly in demand not only in Himachal but all over the
country. Colourful Himachali caps are also famous art work of the people. A tribe
namely Dom is expert in manufacturing bamboo items like boxes, sofas,
chairs, baskets and rack . Metal ware of the state include utensils,
ritualistic vessels, idols, gold and silver jewelleries.

Weaving, carving, painting, or chiselling is considered to be the part of the life

of Himachalis. Himachal is well known for designing shawls especially in Kullu.
The architecture, objects,shops, museums, galleries and craftsmen charm with the
variety perfected through time.

Women take an active part in pottery and men in carpentry. For ages, wood is used
in Himachal in the construction of temples, homes, idols etc.

MUSIC AND DANCE

Music and dance of Himachal Pradesh reflects its cultural identity. Through their
dance and music, they entreat their gods during local festivals and other special
occasions. There are also dances that are specific to certain regions of the state.

Some of the dance forms of Himachal are Losar Shona

Chuksam(Kinnaur), Dangi (Chamba), GeeDance and Burah dance, (Sirmour), Naati,
Kharait, Ujagjama and Chadhgebrikar (Kullu) and Shunto (Lahaul & Spiti).

People of the state generally prefer folk music. There is no classical form of music,
as for the Himachal Pradesh is concerned. Himachali dance forms are highly varied
and quite complicated. These dances are very vital part of the tribal life. It reflects
the culture and the tradition of Himachal Pradesh. Hardly any festivity here is
celebrated without dancing. Some of the dance forms
like Dulshol, Dharveshi, Drodi, DevNaritya, RakshasNritya, Dangi, Lasa, Nati and Na
gas are danced all over the region.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Apart from the fairs and festivals that are celebrated all over India, there are number
of other fairs and festivals also that are at the high point of Himachal Pradesh. These
festivals are the time for the Himachalis to adorn colourful dress and accessories
and get mixed up with the rest of their kins. Some of these fairs and festivals are
the Kullu Dussehra, Shivratri Fair (Mandi), Shoolini Mela (Solan), Minjar
Fair (Chamba), Mani Mahesh Chhari Yatra (Chamba), Renuka fair (Sirmaur), Lavi
Trade Fair (Rampur), Vrajeshwari fair (Kangra), Jwalamukhi Fair
(Jwalamukhi), Holi Fair (Sujanpur), and Naina Devi Fair (Bilaspur),Fulaich {Kinnaur
valley}

CUISINE

The day to day food of Himachalis is very similar to the rest of the north India. They
too have lentil, broth, rice, vegetables and bread. As compared to other states in
north India non-vegetarian cuisine is more preferred. Some of the specialities of
Himachal include Pateer, Chouck, Bhagjery and chutney of Til.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

More colours are added to the already colourful environs of the Himachal Pradesh by
the various fair and festivals held from time to time in the state throughout the year.
The Fairs and Festivals in Himachal Pradesh are the time for the people of the state
to take a break from their tough and harsh schedule to make their life hospitable in
the hilly terrain. The Fairs and Festivals in Himachal Pradesh are associated with
religion, trade, season and sports. The people of Himachal Pradesh worship around
2000 deities and quite a number of fairs and festivals are commemorated for these
deities. Out of a long list of Fairs and Festivals in Himachal Pradesh, some of the
festivals are celebrated since time immemorial and some are of recent inclusion.
These Fairs and Festivals in Himachal Pradesh are the best way to get close to the
local life of the state. They are the best medium to know the culture, way of life,
customs, beliefs and traditions of the people of Himachal Pradesh.

FAIRS IN HIMACHAL

There are 20 state level fairs or festivals recognised by the Government at present in
Himachal Pradesh. They have an educational, social as well as religious character.
These serve the needs of social integration not only for economic sustenance but
also for cultural survival. Generally the fairs are held at such a time when the people
are free from their household engagements. Fairs give them an opportunity to
purchase and sell needed articles. Traders from far and near join these festivals to
display articles like clothes, wool, pashmina, furs, leather, hides and skins, pottery,
metal ware, jewellery, ornaments, fruits, vegetables and many other local products
coming from the homes and fields of the ruralities. Fairs in Himachal Pradesh have
very positive role to play in social life. Himachal is a land of Devi and Devtas - land of
gods and most of the fairs are of mythological nature. But to keep on rhythm in
various walks of life, fairs have occupied predominant role and acquired varied
dimensions, such as trade, agricultural, seasonal and fairs connected with festivals
etc. So intensive the fairs hava become, that people of all shades and interests
participate in large numbers. There is hardly any village where no fair is held. There
is almost continuous succession of fairs.

LIST OF FAIRS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH:

BAISAKHI:

This fair is held at various places in the state. People carry village deity with music
procession from one place to another. In upper hills, people perform 'Mala Dance' by
joining hands to form a large circle. During day time, some games like archery and
wrestling are also played.

MINJAR FAIR ( CHAMBA ) :

This festival is held in the month of August on second Sunday. It continues for a
week. Minjar (maize flowers) festival is celebrated in district Chamba at a place
'Chowgan' in Chamba town. Maize flowers, a coconut, a rupee or a smaller coin, a
fruit and a few paddy tentacles are offered to Varuna, the god of rain. It is a state fair.
It is difficult to say, when the fair first started, but the present form of the fair is
attributed to Raja Sahil Verman, who ruled the state in the 10th century A.D.

NAINA DEVI FAIR :

This fair is held in the month of August, at Naina Devi Temple, in district Blaspur,
which is 8 km. from the Gangul Power House. This is the most delightful fair in
district Bilaspur.

KULLU DUSHEHRA :

Kullu Dushehra mirrors Himachal culture in its entirely.. It clearly shows the lefestyle,
love of dance and music of the people in this region. To see the colorful Himachal at
one place, Kullu Dushehra is the right place. Although Dushehra is celebrated all
over the country, but in Kullu, it has its own distinctive glamour. This is a state
fair.People from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh throng to enjoy Kullu
Dushehra.

LAVI FAIR :

This fair is held in the month of October or November every at Rampur Bushahr. In
ancient, Tibet and Kinnaur had good trade relations and Lavi fair is the outcome of
business interest of both sides. People from other areas in general and tribal belt in
particular participate in this fair with horses, mules, pashminas, colts, yaks, chilgoza,
namdas, pattis, woollens, raw semi-finished wool and other dry fruits produced in the
state are brought for selling. It is three hundred years old fair and also a state fair.4
During day time, hectic trade activities are witnessed all over the town. At night, folks
dances and music around small bonfires are organised. It continues for three days.

CHREWAL :

It is also known as Prithvi pooja in some places. It is celebrated on the Ist of Bhadon
- middle of August. This continues for full one month. The farmers do not yoke oxen
during this month. In Kullu, this festival is known as Badranjo. In Chamba, it is called
Pathroru. It is a festival of flowers here. This is an occasion of great celebration,
particularly for girls who dance on this day.

RENUKA FAIR :

This fair is celebrated in the month of November for six days in district Sirmaur. It
starts ten days after the famous Diwali festival. The legend goes that Parshuram, the
youngest son of mother Renuka, used to visit his mother every year. The fair
commemorates the annual meeting of Parshuram and Renuka. Parshuram is
believed to be the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. One can see the glimpses of hill
culture at the fair. Rural people market their produce of walnuts, dried and wet ginger
ect. Folk dances, magic show, Kariyala play, thoda dance, wrestling bouts, fire
works, police and homeguard's band display, developmental exhibitions, cinema
shows and bhajan-kirtan are other attractions of the week long fair. It is a state fair.
SHIVRATRI FAIR :

This fair is held in the month of February on Shivratri day in Mandi. Shiva is the chief
deity of Himachal Pradesh. This festival is given the greatest importance even in
temples all through Himachal Pradesh. This fair continues for a week, with great fun
and frolic.On this occasion people bring hundreds of Gods and Goddesses in their
Raths. Devotees carry them on shoulders amidst melodious religious songs. People
pay their homage to Lord Shiva at famous temple of Bhut Nath in Mandi town. It is a
state fair.

HOLI FAIR :

It is held in the month of March every year. Especially the Holi Mela of Sujanpur in
district Hamirpur is very famous. It is the festival of colors. People all over Himachal
come to participate in it. A week long fair provides wholesome entertainment through
various games, songs, dances, folk dramas and skits performed by local artists/
Business activities are also in full swing throughout the week.

CHINTPURNI FAIR :

It is locally known as Mata-Da-Mela ( fair of mother goddess ). It is held in the village

Chintpurni near Bharwain ( a hill station on Hoshiarpur-Kangra road in Una district ).
According to one legend a certain Mai Das had the first darshan of the Mother
goddess who appeared to him as a girl and asked him to perform the Pooja
(worship) of the Pindi (idol) of the mother. Henceforth generation after generation,
the mother has promised to ward off the worldly worries and anxieties of those
worshipping her. On the 8th day during Navratras the offering of Karahi ( sweet
halwa prasad ) and Chhattar are made by the devotees.

THE NALWARI FAIR :

This fair is held in the month of march every year. The idea of this fair was conceived
by W. Goldstein. He was the Superintendent of Shimla Hill States in 1889. The idea
was motivated by a shortage of the good breed cattle, especially bullocks. Now this
fair has become more a business opportunity event. It is a state fair.
SISSU FAIR :

Sissu is a common fair celebrated all over the Buddhist Himalayas. Its main
attraction is always a masked dance but because of a part of monastic rituals, it is
always staged inside the monastery on the attached courtyard. The fair is celebrated
on different dates at different places. At Sissur Gompa it is held in June, at Gemur
Gompa in July and at Mani Gompa of Gondhla in August.

LOHRI :

In some areas, it is also known as Maghi or Saza. It is celebrated on the Ist of Magh
- mid January. People celebrate it more as a continuation of the season of festivals.
After finishing agricultural activities, they feast and celebrate and avail themselves of
the time to meet their relatives. This festival continues for 8 days. On 8th day, people
make get together and show social solidarity. Dance and music goes on for the
whole night.

BHARMAUR JATRA FAIR :

It is held in district Chamba in the month of August. There is a very colorful crowd in
this fair.

CHHITRARI JATRA FAIR :

It is held in district Chamba in the month of September. It is a very famous one day
fair and a large number of prople gather in this fair from near and far.

SUI FAIR :

It is held in Chamba town in the month of April. This fair is exclusively for women.
There is a temple of Naina Devi where women gather and worship the Devi. Naina
was the queen of Raja Sahil Verman. This temple has been constructed at a place
where she had sacrificed herself to bring water to Chamba town.

TARA DEVI FAIR :

Durga Devi's temple of Taradevi is located on the ridge of mountain about 8 km.
away from Shimla town. The fair is held here on Ashtami in Navratras os Asawin -
September or October. This is called Durga Ashtami. A lot of tourists do visit it for its
scenic beauty and worship of the famous mother goddess.

JWALAMUKHI FAIR :

The Jwalamukhi fair is held twice a year during Navratras for worship of Durga
goddess. It is the most imporatant fair in the Kangra valley. People come with red
silken flags (dhwaja) to greet the Mother Goddess. The fair is attributed to the
worship of that Eternal Flame which is coming out of earth spontaneously and
perpetually.

DAL FAIR :

It is held on the bank of lake Dal, in the month of August in district Kangra at
Dharamshala. This area is also ideal for a day picnic.

NALWARI FAIR :

It is held in district Kullu at Manali in the month of May. It is a very famous fair and a
large number of prople gather in this fair from near and far.

DUNGRI FAIR :

It is held in district Kullu at Manali in the month of May.

SARSHI JATRA FAIR :

In district Kullu, at place Naggar in the month of May.

BANJAR FAIR :

In district Kullu in the month of Mat and June.

MARKANDA FAIR :

In district Bilaspur at place Markanda in the month of April.

SOLAN FAIR :

Solan fair is held in the last week of June for three days. This fair is celebrated even
before the present Solan town was founded in honour of the goddess 'Shulini' whose
temple is situated in the nearby village named Solan Gaon. It attracts traders,
sweetsellers, general merchants and other shopkeepers to make brisk business. The
highlight of this fair are dancing, singing and wrestling.

SARI FAIR :

It is held in district Solan at town 'Arki in the month of July. This fair is famous for bull
fighting.

BUFFALO FAIR :

In district Shimla at village Kufri near Mashobra in the month of September.

SIPI FAIR :

In district Shimla near Mashobra in the month of May.

JATAR ROHRU FAIR :

In district Shimla at Rohru town in the month os April.

RAMPURI JATAR :
In district Shimla at village Rampuri near Jubbal town in the month of July.

THALOG FAIR :

This fair is held in the honour of Devta Rahatna whose temples are located at Thalog
and Jabna. It is held at the end of Baishkha, in Prgana Jakholi of Chopal. It is 13 km.
away from Chamba. The game archery, numerous sweet shops and Jhula are the
main attractions like other fairs.

TRILOKPUR FAIR :

In district Sirmaur at village Trilokpur near Nahan town, in the month of September.

PHUL YATRA FAIR :

Phul Yatra fair is held in Pangi at Killar in 'Asoj' every year. It denotes the start of a
closing season in this snow bound valley. Offerings are made to local goddess, in
whose honour it is celebrated. The tribal people enjoy, dance, sing and drink in gay
mood forgetting everything else for the time being. In Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti some
annuar fairs are held which have left deep impression on the community life of the
tribals. One of the main features of these fairs is folk dance. Mask dance and lion
dance are also very famous.

SAYAR FAIR :

It is a famous fair observed in the month of September at a number of places such

as Bakloh in Kangra, Karsog in Mandi, and Subathu in Shimla.

GUGGA FAIR

This fair is celebrated in Chamba, Simour and Bilaspur, during which the Gugga or
the Nag devtais worshipped

DHOOGRI FAIR
This Fair is celebrated in May at the temple of goddess Hadibha Devi at Manali.
Dhoongri is a small hamlet in the Manali district of Himachal Pradesh. The village is
renowned for the Hadimba temple dedicated to the wife of Bhim Sen, Hadimba. The
small village of Dhoongri comes alive with lots of activity and celebration during the
month of May at the time of Dhoongri Fair. People from the nearby villages, far flung
places and tourists visit the temple to seek the blessings of the goddess and
participate in the Dhoongri Fair in the month of May.

SOVI JATRAS

In Baisakhi the Sovi Jataras take place at the temple of Naina Devi. These last for
five days and people especially the Gaddis, returning to their hill home participate in
these in large numbers. The 'Dangi' dance is one of the main attraction of this fair.
The women at the fair sing songs about the exemplary life and sacrifices of the
Goddess Naina Devi and offer ritual Puja with beautifully arranged platters at the
spot where the goddess had sacrificed her life.

PATA

The sacred fair of 'Pata' takes place in the Bhadravah valley in September. It is a fair
of young girls and is connected with king Nagpal who ruled in the area during the
reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar. The chief attractions of this fair are the various
pageants of Kudda dancers. During the same period the Jataras of goddess
Chhatrahadi Mata and Mani Mahesh ( in Bharmour) take place. During these, people
from various parts of the state go on foot on long pilgrimages to the temples of
various gods and conclude with a dip in the holy lakes at Bharmour or Mani Mahesh.
In local languages they are known as Dalli Da Nhaun. (the bath of the Dal). Another
fair for women takes place on the banks of the Dal lake where women come singing
folk songs.
FESTIVALS IN HIMACHAL PRDAESH

Himachal in fact can be termed as a mini India. Here people of different racial stocks
have come together and mingled in the main stream of national life, to make this
land a composite of different cultures. Festivals enliven social life and unite the
people by bringing them together in joyful celebration of significant events and in
shared remembrance of a common past. All the fairs and festivals celebrated in
Himachal Pradesh are the result of cultural values, economic needs and time, which
have been realised by the inhabitants from time to time and later given the shape of
tradition. The main population in Himachal Pradesh consist of Hindus and the
percentage of Hindus in Himachal Pradesh is 98%. That is why festivals and fairs
here have direct origin in religion and in the myths and legends of popular faith.On
the day of festival, people in Himachal Pradesh generally keep themselves free from
routine work. They cook special food, must bath, wear neat and clean clothes and
worship at the temple with traditional identity. Songs and dance are common
features on such occasion. For them, even a small event is big enough to be
celebrated. Some of the important festivals of Himachal Pradesh are given one by
one.

LIST OF IMPORTANT FESTIVALS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH :

CHET FESTIVAL :
(Dholru) is the first month of the lunar year and the first day of the month is
cellebrated with a belief to bring hapiness and prosperity. This festival is known as
Chatrali in Kullu and Dholru in Bharmaur area of Chamba district. In district Kangra,
Hamirpur and Bilaspur, first day of Chet month hold special importance.

NAVRATRAS :

Navratras are celebrated with great interest in Himachal Pradesh. Durga Ashtami is
of great importance all over the state. People visit nearest Durga temple to offer
prayer during Navratras.

BAISAKHI :

It is knows as Bisowa in Kangra, Bissue in Shimla hills and Lisshoo in Pangi-

Chamba. This festival is generally celebrated on 13th of April. Preparation for the
festival starts much early. The houses are white washed. People take holy dip at
Haridwar, Tattapani near Shimla, Banganga near Kangra, Markanda near Bilaspur.
During day time, Baisakhi fair is held at many places with traditional gaiety and
attraction. Women's participation in large number add special color to the festive
mood of the people.

HARYALI :

It is also known as Shegtsum in Lahaul, Dhakhrain in Jubbal and Kinnaur. This

festival is celebrated on the Ist Sawan - 16th July. Few days before the festival,
seeds of five to seven kinds of grains are sown together in small basket full of earth
by any member of the family near the place of the household deities. Stems are
offered to household deities and are also placed on the upper frame of the door.
Farmers do not yoke oxen on this day. Blood sucking insects like Lice, Bugs, Flees
etc. are burnt with cowdung balls. People in Kinnaur district garland village deity with
wild flowers. Dancing and singing is a common practice during the festival.

RAKHI :

Rakhi is one of the major festivals celebrated all over India. It is known as Rakhrunya
in Mandi district, Salunnu in Sirmaur district and Rakhpunya in Shimla district. It is
well known as 'Rakhri' in most of the Himachal Pradesh. It is celebrated on the moon
full in Shrawan, when sister ties sacred thread round the wrist of her brother and
seeks protection and affection in exchange. Brother too give her, either money or
some other gift with sweets.

CHREWAL :

It is also known as Prithvi pooja in some places. It is celebrated on the Ist of Bhadon
- middle of August. This continues for full one month. The farmers do not yoke oxen
during this month. In Kullu, this festival is known as Badranjo. In Chamba, it is called
Pathroru. It is a festival of flowers here. This is an occasion of great celebration,
particularly for girls who dance on this day.

JAGRA :

It is a rite offered to any village deitiy. This is commemorated each year on the fourth
day of the month of September. Mahasu Devta (deity) is worshipped in upper Shimla
hills, Kinnaur and Sirmaur regions of the state. Singing and dancing is the common
feature of the festival.

PHULECH :

Celebrated only in Kinnaur region in the month of Bhadon or in the beginning of

Asauj. People from each household proceed towards hilltops to collect flowers,
which are offered to village deity and afterwards these flower garlands are distributed
among the people. Priest makes forecasts about crops and changes in seasons etc.
Priest's words are taken for granted by local people.

SAIR :

It is celebrated in the month of September in new Himachal. This is a Bara-Din (Big

day) of the hillmen. Rich food is prepaired on the first day of the month and people
worship their local deity for prosperous future.

JIDJED :
It is a religious festival, takes place in the month of October at 'Thang-gyud
Monastery' In the month of October, a similar festival called Guitor is held in the
Monasteries at Ki, Tabo, Dankar and Pin Spiti subdivision.

DUSHEHRA :

Celebrations of Dushehra are same in all the places of India. It is celebrated on the
month of Spetember or October. On Dashmi - 10th day of celebration, people make
a bonfire of effigies of Ravna, Kumbhkarna and Meghnatha. It symbolises victory of
good over evil. Dushehra of Kullu is famous all over the world.

DIWALI :

Diwali is the most famous festival of India. It is the festival related to returning of Lord
Rama to home after killing Ravna. It is celebrated in the month of October or
November. The festival is locally known as 'Diali. Preparation for the festival starts
much early. The houses are white washed. People buy new clothes and new toys for
their children. People exchange sweets and other things with each other. Alomost all
the bazar are overcrowded on this day and there are celebrations in the air. At night
people perform Lakhshami Pooja and after that whole state comes to a new life
when children and young ones indulge in Fireworks.

LOHRI :

In some areas, it is also known as Maghi or Saza. It is celebrated on the Ist of Magh
- mid January. People celebrate it more as a continuation of the season of festivals.
After finishing agricultural activities, they feast and celebrate and avail themselves of
the time to meet their relatives. This festival continues for 8 days. On 8th day, people
make get together and show social solidarity. Dance and music goes on for the
whole night.

GOCHI :

It is a festival organised in Gumrang Kothi in Keylong and adjoining areas, falling

sometime in January or February. Date for the celebrations is decided by the Lamas
on the basis of their astrological calculations. This festival is celebrated jointly by all
the families, where male child were born in the preceding year.

LOSSAR :

This festival is celebrated in the entire tribal belt of Himachal Pradesh and in the
Tibetan colonies at Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, Solan and Baijnath. The old
Buddhist shrine, celebrating Padamsambhava's marriage with a local Princess at
Rewalser in Mandi district also emerges as a pivotal attraction for these religious
celebrations. This festival means a beginning of a new year and is held in the last
week of February.One can witness a Chham dance, various mask dances and
dramas remniscent of the post Buddhist culture with traditional orchestra.

SHIVRATRI :

It is celebrated in the month of February. The western part of India is influenced

greatly by the mythology of Lord Shiva. This festival is given the greatest importance
even in temples. Some people keep fast on this day. Images of Lord Shiva and
Parvati are made from cowdung or earth soil for worshipping. Songs in praise of
Shiva and Parvati are sung. This is the festival of great significance in the life of hill
people. Shivratri of Mandi ranks above all in Western Himalayas. Mandi town is
tastefully decorated and thousands of hill fork arrived in their traditional dresses
participate in the fair.

HALDA :

It is celebrated especially by the people of Chandra and Bhaga Valleys in December

or January in Lahaul and Spiti district. It is like a Diwali festival for them. Though it is
a festival of light, no lamps or candles are lighted except that two or three persons
from every household carry burning sticks of pencil, thin cedar in their hands to be
piled together to make a bonfire and later to be ceremoniously thrown towards the
villages of Gushal and Kardang.

NAWALA :
Gaddis of Kangra, Chamba, Mandi and Kullu celebrate this festival, when a
household individually collects enough money for celebration. Nawala, in fact, is a
thanks giving ceremony to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped at the time of misfortune
and clamiti. Devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva are sung throughout the night.

MANIMAHESH YATRA

This Yatra is taken to the sacred lake of Manimahesh in Chamba district in the
month of August, after the festival of Janamashtami.

MONTH WISE LIST OF FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Ages of rich tradition, warm and hospitable people, a landscape of breathtaking

variety and beauty - all combine to pack each year in Himachal with a variety of fairs,
festivals and celebrations. There are some 2000 deities worshipped in Himachal and
numerous fairs and festivals are held in their honour. From religion to trade, from
seasons to sports - and month by month - here is a joyous celebrations of life.

January: A cliche if you will - but often laced with snow - the year opens with a
heady cocktail. Thousands of revelers head to celebrate the new year in Shimla,
Chail (Solan), Manali (Kullu), Dharamshala and Dalhousie (Chamba). Around New
year comes Halda in Lahaul, which is a more private celebration of the event. Along
the valleys of Chandra and Bhaga rivers, a few members of every household step
out with lighted cedar twigs to a west oriented place selected by the 'lamas'. These
slender branches form the first flames of a bonfire which is then dispersed. Shiskar
Apa, the goddess of wealth is worshipped, and the dancing continues for a couple of
days.

There is greater sobriety, but no less joy, when Lohri or Maghi comes along in mid
January. This is the traditionally mid winter day and also commemorates the last
sowing of the Rabi crops. Community bonfires, folk songs and dancing, mark the
festival. Pragpur Lohri festival is now state level fair. In tribal Spiti, Dechhang is
celebrated at the height of winter, while the Lahaul area reserves it for early April. At
Paonta Sahib (Sirmour) the major focus is on Guru Gobind Singh's birthday. The
town and other gurudwaras close to it, are closely linked with the Guru's life.
On a mid-night towards the end of Paush (December-January), Phagli begins in
Lahaul's Pattan valley with snow being packed in a conical basket - kilta.

This is upturned on the roof, this resembles a Shivalinga. Shiva, Naga and the
goddess, Hidimba are worshipped, and the younger generation mark this by
venerating the village elders. Chhang and lugari, locally brewed liquors flow freely,
and ritual dishes are eaten. Kinnaur's Sazi (or Sazo), also comes at around this time.
To make this wonderful time of year all the more attractive, Himachal Tourism offers
special discounts and packages in its wide network of hotels.

February: Snow continues to play a major part in February's festivals and

Himachal's Winter Carnival is also held this month.

Gochi in the Bhaga Valley is an unusual festival when the villagers celebrate the
birth of male children. Token marriages of children below the age of six are also
performed - comes when children throw snow balls at each other.

Baba Barbhag Singh Mela is held in Una to honour the sage who was renowned for
his magical powers. Basant Panchmi marks the arrival of spring in the lower areas,
and every town seems to keep a reserve of colour for the occasion and the skies are
filled with a medley of kites.

Ritual dances and an unbelievably rich imagery mark Lossar. This is celebrated in
Buddhist areas throughout the state while Lahaul's monasteries have some of the
most spectacular performances. On its eve, the stylized chhaam dance with
elaborate costumes and masks, commemorate the assassination of the cruel
Tibetan king, Langdarma of the 9th century. Often - though wrongly - called 'the devil
dance', it symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

March: Centered around the temple of Trilokinath, Char is celebrated in Lahaul. The

town of Mandi with Its ancient temples revels in the Shivratri fair for a whole week.
On elaborately decorated palanquins, hundred of local deities are carried to the
town. Accompanied by folk bands, they make their first stop at the Madho Rai
Temple and then go to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva at the Bhootnath Temple. This is
followed by festivities - music and song, dance and drama. Yet, all the while the
atmosphere is surcharged with deep religious devotion.

In third week of March, the fascinating Nalwari fair is held at Bilaspur. Cattle are
traded, there are wrestling bouts – aero and water sport shows are recent additions.

Holi Festival is a riot of colours and celebration of spring, alogng with it comes
laughter and vitality. There are exuberant celebrations at Palampur (Kangra) and
Sujanpur (Hamirpur). By the banks of the river Yamuna the shrine of Paonta Sahib in
Sirmour is thronged by Hindu and Sikh devotees . In Sirmour, the Balasundari fair is
held at Trilokpur near Nahan, it coincides with the sacred days of the Navratras. The
temple of Baglamata, near Bankhandi in Kangra is also a major focus during these
days.

Chait, the first month of lunar calendar is celebrated with folk songs and dances in
the state.

At the shrine of Deothsidh (Seo) on the district border of Hamirpur and Bilaspur, a
month long fair is held in March and April.

April Held on the first Baisakh - the 13th April - Baisakhi is one of Himachal's very
important festival. Rooted in the rural agrarian tradition, it bids final farewell to winter.
At Tattapani near Shimla, at Rewalsar and Prashar lakes near Mandi, people take
purifying dips in water. Numerous village fairs complete with wrestling, dancing and
archery are also held on this day.

In April, Rali with its clay models is marked in Kangra. Legend has it that the
beautiful Rali was married against her wishes and on the way to her husband's
home, she leapt into a stream. The husband jumped in after her and trying to save
both, Pali's brother also dived info the fast flowing waters. All three died. Today, clay
models are made in every house to mark that day, while unmarried girls pray for
grooms of their choice and the newly-wedded ask for happiness and prosperity.

At Chamba, the Sui Mela is thronged by women and children and at the village of
Taraur in district Mandi, the Mahu Nag fair is held. The holy Markandaya fair is held
near Bllaspur and the Rohru (Shimla) Jatar is held in honour of the deity Shikhru.
This is also the time when fishing and low altitude trekking raise their winter barriers,
while the Spring Festival is celebrated in Kullu from April 28 to 30.

May: May gushes in with a whole series of river rafting festivals and water sports
Regattas, through-out the state. Focused around the goddess Hadimba Devi, Kullu
celebrates theSipi Fair Dhoongri fair. In the same district, the Banjar fair and the
Sarhi Jatar are held in May.

Near Shimla at the exquisite glade of Sipur below Mashobra, the charming Sipi fair is
held. It is traditionally a time for match-making.

June: A wide spectrum of national talent, a variety of programmes and a splendid

setting make Shimla's Summer Festival - a memorable event. Shimla also hosts the
Red Cross Fair, sport tournaments, flower shows, a photographs and posters
exhibition and a fashion show based on folk costumes. The Kangra valley summer
Festival is also held in May/June at Dharamshala. At Solan, on the third Sunday of
the month, the Shoolini Fair honours the goddess Shoolini, the presiding deity of the
region. On June's full moon night, the Ghantal festival is held at Lahaul's Guru
Ghantal Monastery. And of course, given the time of the year and the possibilities it
offers, there are various camping and trekking expeditions.

July: In the arid trans-Himalayas. At Kaza's Ladarcha fair (Lahaul & Spiti), the old
trade routes come alive as traders barter and sell a variety of goods and produce. At
Keylong, the Lahaul Festival is also held. Elsewhere in the state, Haryali (Rhyali,
Dakhrain) announce the advent of the monsoon rains. July also heralds the travelling
and trekking season to Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti.

August: Chamba's famous Minjar fair which celebrates the bounty of nature and
prays for a good harvest is normally held in August. 'Minjars', maize shoots or silken
strands, are cast on the waters of the river Ravi and the town immerses itself in a
week long of celebration.

Also in Chamba, the Manimahesh Yatra to the sacred tarn of Manimahesh is held
immediately after the festival of Janamashtmi. At Bharmour, 35 km short of the lake,
the nomadic Gaddis hold a fair for six days.  
Celebrated in Chamba, Kullu and elsewhere, Chrewal, Badronjo or Patroru is a
festival of fire and flowers - and a time for purification of the fields.

In August, several places in Chamba, Kangra, Bilaspur and Sirmour have the Gugga
fair which is connected with the worship of Gugga, the Nag Devta. The same month
witnesses the Dal fair in Upper Dharamsala in Kangra district. At Udaipur, in the
Lahaul valley, the Trilokinath temple becomes a focus; this is sacred to Hindus and
Buddhists alike. The Shravan fair is held at the shrine Naina Devi in Bilaspur district,
while the Ashapuri fair is held in Kangra.

September: As the rains end, autumn sends fiery colours racing through the hills. In
Kinnaur, the festival of flowers, 'Fullaich' (Phulech) opens a window to its remarkable
people and their Phulech beautiful  countryside. Villagers scout the hillsides for
flowers which are collected in the village square. These are then offered to the local
deity. Then comes a spate of revelry - singing, dancing and feasting. Kalpa has
some of the most vibrant celebrations and every twelve years, there is a special
festival. Also in September, at the village of Chattradi, near Chamba - and centered
around the exquisite temple of Shakti Devi - a fair is held and masked dances are
performed.

The Kangra valley celebrates the festival of Sair. This is also celebrated with stalls,
singing and buffalo fights at Arki (Solan) and Mashobra (Shimla) both near Shimla.
At Nurpur in Kangra, under the watchful walls of its old fort, the Nagini fair bids the
summer farewell. On September 27, World Tourism Day is celebrated in the state. 
In Sirmour, there is a Regatta at the Renuka Lake and Nahan hosts the Bawan
Dawadashi fair.

October: There is a Regatta on the waters of the Gobind Sagar, anglers vie for the
largest catch in the Sangla valley (Kinnaur) and paragliders sail the skies at Billing
(Kangra). More traditionally, over two hundred deities converge on Kullu for its
unusual Dussehra celebrations. They pay homage to Lord Raghunath while music
and colour fill the 'Silver Valley'. Numerous stalls offer a variety of local wares. This
is also the time when the International Folk Festival is celebrated. The Jwalamukhi
Temple in Kangra becomes the venue for a major fair. At Killar and Panai (in
Chamba's Pangi valley), the Phool Yatra witnesses a remarkable display of
neighborly affection.

November: With winter Just a hop and skip away, the age-old Lavi fair fills Rampur
(Shimla) with a burst of activity. The town was once a major entry point on the old
trade routes to Kinnaur, Tibet, Ladakh and Afghanistan. Even today, the Lavi
tradition is as vibrant as ever. By the churning waters of the river Sutlej, a variety of
goods including wool, dry fruits and horses are bartered and sold.

The Kharif crops have been harvested when at the legendary Renuka lake
(Sirmour), a fair graces its banks. There is trade, recreation and amusement. Idols of
Lord Parshurama and Renuka are ceremoniously dipped in the sacred waters of the
lake – and it is a time when match making is done. Water Sports Competitions are
held at the Maharana Pratap Sagar and Gobind Sagar.

December: As winter arrives, anglers shift to the Pong Dam. The winter winds carry
the delights of ice-skating at Shimla. The extravaganza of the Ice-Skating Carnival is
normally reserved for December. Christmas celebrations overtake Shimla and
Dalhousie (Chamba) and as the church bells chime, they carry away another event-
packed year. To visit the traditional fairs or to participate in the festivals, do confirm
the dates as many vary from year to year. A range of accomodation is available at,
or close to almost all the places.
FAIRS AND FESTIVAL OF HIMACHAL PRADESH—

ATTRACTION FOR TOURISTS

DOONGRI FAIR, KULLU

Celebrated in the month of May at the 'Valley of Gods'- Kullu, the Doongri Fair like all
the other fairs held at Himachal is yet another colorful affair. Also known as Hadimba
Devi Fair, it is held near the Hadimba Temple which is just 1.5 kms from Manali bus
stand. 

Celebrated to mark the advent of spring, the most pleasant of all seasons, the fair
attracts a host of tourists and locales both to celebrate the valley at its natural best.
Multi colored flowers bloom in the entire valley spilling color all around. And to add
more, little kites also dapple the horizon with their bright colors to mark the spring
festival, coined as 'Basant Panchami.' 
Almost around the same time, another fair is also held at Una in the memory of the
sage Baba Barbhag Singh. The sage was believed to possess magical powers that
were used towards philanthropic ends. 

Dhoongri is a small hamlet in the Manali district of Himachal Pradesh. The village is
renowned for the Hadimba temple dedicated to the wife of Bhim Sen, Hadimba. The
small village of Dhoongri comes alive with lots of activity and celebration during the
month of May at the time of Dhoongri Fair. People from the nearby villages, far flung
places and tourists visit the temple to seek the blessings of the goddess and
participate in the Dhoongri Fair in the month of May.

The nature is at its best during this time of the year with pleasant climate, lush
greenery all round and colorful flowers making the setting of a remote village
absolutely mesmerizing. During the Dhoongri Fair, temporary stalls come up to for
buying and selling of local items. Singing and dancing are an integral part of the
Dhoongri Fair. During the Dhoongri Fair, several River Rafting Festivals and other
Water Sports also held for the tourists.

RENUKA FAIR

The Renuka Fair is an extremely popular Fair in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is
held on the banks of the famous Renuka Lake situated in the Sirmur  district. It is an
annual Fair held in the month of November. The fair holds a multidimensional
importance. As any fair and festival Renuka fair provides immense opportunities and
ways of enjoyment, it also holds religious significance especially for Hindus.

The fair celebrated and honors the sacrifice of mother Renuka (Mother of
Parshuram). Renuka was killed by her own son on the orders of her husband. Thus,
the fair actually salutes immortality of Renuka and her son. Thousands of devotees
gather here every year to worship their beloved gods and goddesses.

The fair brings in lots of positivity and relaxation to the localites here. Winters spring
up by this time and they also get a relief from their daily chores and routines.

Apart from the religious significance, the fair is all packed with numerous activities
and events. Dance, Music, Shopping markets, Exhibitions, and many other programs
are organized on the banks of Renuka Lake. Processions of twelve local gods visit
the Devi's temple during the fair. A number of food kiosks and entertainment
pavilions are also set up for visiting pilgrims. Thus, there is a wholesome
entertainment and amusement for the tourists and visitors.

There is also an associated and age old ritual followed during the fair, wherein
celebrants exchange turbans or caps even handful water to become brother and
sisters in the name of deity. On the first day the idol of Parashurama is taken in a
decorated silver palanquin from the Jamu village to the banks of the Giri River. The
other local deities reach the spot before he does, and then together they go to the
site of the fair (with Parashurama leading the jing-bang, of course) and then
festivities continue.

Although there are lots of amazing lakes located in Himachal Pradesh, yet, the
Renuka Lake is the most beautiful among all of them. On the bank of the lake the
temples of Parshuram and Renuka Devi are situated.

Historical Traces:

According to historical evidences, sage Jamadagni the father Parsuram, got really
adamant on getting rid of his wife Renuka. He gave orders to his son to chop his
mother’s head. Parsuram like an obedient and ideal son blindly followed the orders
and killed his mother. Pleased by his son’s diligence, Jamadagni gave him a boon.
Parsuram immediately asked for his mother’s life and indeed ensured her
immortality.

Time of Celebration:

Renuka Fair is held every year in the month of November in Himachal Pradesh. It is
a three day Fair, celebrated on the first fortnight of November. Thousands of
devotees and tourists gather here during November to enjoy and participate in this
popular Fair.

How to Reach: 

By Air
The nearest airheads are Dehra Dun and Chandigarh, which are accessible from
Nahan and Renuka by road. Dehra Dun and Chandigarh are served from Delhi by
Indian Airlines. Within the state, the capital Shimla is connected by air, from which
the region is accessible by road.

By Rail

For Nahan, the nearest railhead is Ambala, 100-km away; Dehra Dun also serves as
a railhead, 65-km from Paonta Sahib. Regular train services from Delhi connect both
rail terminals.

By Road

Delhi is the entry point for the region. For reaching Renuka, there are two routes
from Delhi, both approximately 350-km.

HAMIR UTSAV

Hamir utsav is a cultural Festival celebrated mainly in the Hamirpur district of

Himachal Pradesh. The Fair is held every year in the first week of
November. Numbers of cultural events showcase the dance and music of Himachal
Pradesh and other states. The main aim behind the celebration of Hamir Utsav is to
remember and cherish the existence of Hamirpur District.

The Hamir Utsav is extremely popular among the localites of district. The

local people of the district of Hamirpur as well as performers from otherdistricts of
Himachal Pradesh come to the Hamir Utsav, to take part in the folk dances and folk
music held during the festival.

The people of Hamirpur have a strong folk culture that is reflected through their
different cultural programs like Jatras and Jheras.

Himachal Pradesh is very popular in terms of its culture and traditions. There are
a number of fairs and festivals held throughout the year in nearly every season in
Himachal Pradesh. These fairs and festivals attract thousands of tourists in the state
every year.
People from far and wide gather here during various festivals and enjoy the festivals
amidst beautiful surroundings of the state.

Himachal is one of the perfect holiday destinations in India due to its pleasant and
favorable climate. There are number of attractive places for sightseeing including
temples, picnic spots, markets and many more. Apart from sightseeing adventure
sports like mountaineering, para gliding, trekking and angling are some of the
favorite among the sports lovers.

HIMCHAL WINTER CARNIVAL

Wafting snow flakes interspersed by flashes of color and lots of fun is what you can
see at the yearly Winter Carnival in Himachal Pradesh. Held in the beautiful hill
station of Manali, Himachal's Carnival is an event that draws a good number of
tourists from all over India. International tourists can also be seen enjoying the sights
and sounds of Manali during the Winter Carnival. 

Held in January, the Winter Carnival in Himachal Pradesh offers a fine range of
attractions to regale every single visitor. Right from folk dances to entertaining skits,
there is something for everyone to look forward to during the Himachal Pradesh
Winter Carnival. 

Among the other attractions of the Winter Carnival in Manali, Himachal Pradesh are
a variety of winter sports that draw a good number of enthusiasts from all over.
Contests like "Winter Queen" and "Mr. Manali" also attract many visitors at the
Winter Carnival in Himachal Pradesh. 

The Winter Carnival in Himachal Pradesh is an event that means all round
entertainment. So if you are looking for something unique this winter, make sure that
you are a part of Himachal's Winter Carnival. It is an event you will love to remember
with great delight. 

Indian Holiday offers a number of well designed Himachal Pradesh tour pacakges for
you to choose from. Encompassing the best of what this picturesque destination has
to offer, our packages are also priced very reasonable, thus giving you more reason
to celebrate

ICE SKATING CARNIVAL, SHIMLA

Introduction to the Ice Skating Carnival in Shimla Dalhousie:  

Ice Skating Carnival in Shimla Dalhousie is an important Festival in which skating

expeditions are held with the participation of a large number of people. Himachal
Pradesh with its exquisite landscape is also known as the Abode of God. 

It is a wonderful mountainous land enveloped by snow. During the winter months the
snow becomes hard and dry thus facilitating skating. Every year during winter Shimla
attracts thousands of enthusiastic skaters. 

Shimla is a perfect hill retreat and is aptly known as the Queen of the Hill Stations.
Actually it is at Shimla that most of the Ice Skating Carnivals are held. Shimla derives
its name from Shyamala which is the other name of Goddess Kali whose temple is
located here. 

The temple is located at an obscure place on the top of the Jakhu Hills amidst a
dense forest. The Ice Skating Carnival in Shimla Dalhousie actually takes place in
the month of December when most of the mountains are filled with ice.  
Description of the Ice Skating Carnival in Shimla Dalhousie:  

The Ice Skating Carnival in Shimla Dalhousie is not only spectacular but also very
popular because it draws numerous tourists from abroad. The foreigners are
especially interested in participating in this carnival. 

They bring their skating equipments along with them and inspire the children who
seem interested in the expedition. They were actually the pioneers in the field of
skating after whom the Indians too started taking interest in the skating expeditions
in the hilly regions of Shimla. 

The Ice Skating Carnival in Shimla Dalhousie is an invigorating experience. Trekking

provides confidence to the people and it requires courage and enthusiasm. The Ice
Skating Carnival in Shimla Dalhousie offers ample opportunity for the people to
participate in a healthy competition. 

KULLU DUSSEHRA, KULLU

One of the most important and colorful festivals celebrated at the 'Valley of Living
Gods' - Kullu is its Dussehra. It is a ten-day festival falls in October and is considered
one of the holiest festivals. When the Ram Lilas come to an end with the burning of
effigies of Ravana, Meghantha and Kumbhkarna; in all the other parts of the country,
the joyous celebrations at Kullu get kicked off devoid of this burning ritual. 

These week long celebrations revolve around the presiding deity "Lord Raghunathji"
with the conversion of the sprawling Dhalpur Maidan into a temporary abode of Lord
Raghunathji. The festival presents an antique blend of faith and festivity. 

The image of Lord Raghunathji is brought to this ground from Sultanpur temple
located in the palace of erstwhile Kullu king and is taken in a procession. The local
`Deities` also join this procession. The idol of the Lord is placed on a massive
chariot. Devotees pull the ropes of this decorated chariot as it is considered
auspicious and is a harbinger of fortune and prosperity. Goddess Hadimba also
holds a special significance in these celebrations as the celebrations can not be
started without her arrival from Manali. 
From the next day onwards in Kullu Dussehra, a Devta Durbar or the Council of the
Gods is held, which is presided by Lord Raghnathji. Every morning and evening
gods are invoked and carried in a procession. The people are busy being the
spectator in the large fair where buying, selling, singing and dancing is the norm.

On the final day The chariot of Lord Raghunathji is taken near the banks of Beas on
the last day of the festival. A huge pile of wood grass is set on fire there symbolizing
the burning of Lanka. The sacrifice of five chosen animals follows. This procedure is
termed "Lanka Dahan." Goddess Hadimba returns to her abode after `Lanka Dahan`
and Lord Raghunathji also returns to His temple. The local deities also leave Dhalpur
for their respective villages after this sacrifice. 

Being declared an international event by the state government, the festival observes
a wide array of cultural performances by local, state, national and international
troupes in the evenings. 

The festival is also a very good time for the traders. They set up temporary stalls all
over the valley offering their wares thus making the festival a ripe time for shopping.
The spirit of sheer enjoyment reins the entire region during the festival. The art
lovers spend their nights at Kala Kendra enjoying the International Cultural Festival
at its open-air theatre. To sum it up, Kullu Dussehra is a festival that brings
something for everyone and rejuvenates the spirit of people in its real means.

Kullu Dussehra has become quite popular among Indian as well as foreign tourists
and has earned international acclaim. Kullu Dussehra is celebrated with same fervor
and gaiety as it was in the beginning is because of the inherent love of the people of
Kullu for their culture and the awareness to preserve it. The International Folk
Festival is also celebrated during the same time in Himachal Pradesh.
APPLE FESTIVAL, KULLU

Organised by Himachal Tourism, the apple festival was intended to promote tourism
and spread awareness about various varieties of apples and apple products
produced in Himachal, described to be the apple bowl of India.

One of the prime attractions at the festival was the facility to visit the apple orchards
where the visitors could savour the fruit of their choice directly from the trees. Visitors
at the festival grounds were being treated with the Himachali folk dances and various
dishes made of apples.

The Department of Tourism hopes such festivals could boost demand of Himachal
apples and apple products even outside the State.

"This would boost our tourism. In Himachal there are various varieties of apples and
apple products. We are also making an effort to tell people about our cuisine," said
Manisha Nanda, Secretary of the Tourism Department of Himachal Pradesh
government.
Besides, the organizers arranged for various events like painting competition, Apple
Prince and Apple Princess and Best Dressed competition for married couples during
the three-day festival.

"It's a great fun and cool experience. Yeah, it's cool because you come to know that
this place sells so many apples. So they make it a big festival. When they give
apples to tourists and all others, it shows a kind of good gesture. I like it," said Bruno,
a French tourist.

Apple has been the main fruit crop of Himachal Pradesh and is being grown in 9 out
of 12 districts. Apple accounts for about 40 per cent of the total area under all fruit
crops and about 80 percent of the total fruit production. Over 150,000 farm families
are engaged in apple cultivation out of them, 90 per cent are small and marginal
farmers with an average holdings of less than 0.6 hectare.

LAVI FAIR

The Lavi fair is held in Rampur, Himachal Pradesh. Lavi fair largely popular for the
trade and exhibition of special goods and products is held in great esteem and is
celebrated with much fanfare. Rampur accompanied by river Satluj has been a major
trading route for India. The town has maintained this age-old tradition and has been
hosting the International Lavi Fair for more than 300 years.

Years back, Rampur was the entering gate to routes towards Kinnaur, Tibet, Ladakh
and Afghanistan. Even till date, many goods like wool, dry fruits and other products
are bought and sold through this trading destination. After the trade came to a
standstill few years back, it lost its glory which wasagain restored after the Lavi fair
started here.

The status of Lavi fair has reached to an international level and numerous efforts are
made by government to restore the popularity and status of lavi fair. Over the past
few years, the government is making efforts to modernize the activities at fair. Many
traders from all parts of country come here during the month of November to lure
customers and popularize their art and craft.

Historical traces:

Although a talk of past now, earlier some famous Chinese goods were also bought in
here to be sold for example jackets, crockery etc. Lavi fair is also mentioned in the
history of erstwhile Bushair State. According to some historical evidences, a trade
treaty was signed between the Bushair state and Tibet, during the reign of Raja
Kesar Singh. Swords and horses were also exchanged between the two as a mark
of friendship. At that time the trade relationship was very strong and it was promised
that the relation would remain so for ages. But, after the occupation of Tibet by
China, all trade between the two came to a standstill.

Celebrations:

Lavi fair attracts large number of people every year during the month of November.
Numbers of shops are established and goods are sold.

There is an age old tradition of churning the water of River Satluj before the
commencement of Fair. Any act of barter, exchange, selling is preceded only after
the water is properly churned.

A lot of trading activity is carried on. However there are several customs that are
followed to this day before the commencement of the business. One the major
attraction of the fair is the display and sale of wide variety of native products.
Himachal Pradesh is famous for its “Pashmina” wool, some kinds of Dry fruits and
other agricultural products. Also, not to forget surefooted 'Chaumkhi' horses,
especially found in the nearby tribal areas are bought in here at the fair to be sold.

Apart from the Horses, woolen pattoos, kala zira and dry fruits are also brought and
sold in the Lavi Fair at Himachal Pradesh. The Lavi Fair in Himachal Pradesh is
renowned for its excellence in bringing to the forefront the ancient Indian Culture.

Time of celebration:
The Lavi fair celebrated in Rampur, Himachal Pradesh is held every year in the
month of November. Number of tourists and traders gather here during the time. This
year the Lavi fair is to be organised between 11th to 14th November.

MANIMAHESH FAIR, CHAMBA

Nestled beautifully in the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful hill state and a
major tourist destination of India. Having a rich culture and heritage, Himachal is a
home to number of fairs and festivals held throughout the year. Kullu Dusshera,
Manimahesh Fair etc. are some of the important fairs and festivals held in Himachal
Pradesh. Indian Holiday offers to give you online information on Manimahesh Fair in
Himachal Pradesh, India. 

Believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, Manimahesh peak is located at an altitude of

5656 meters above sea level and falls under the Bharmour valley of the Chamba
district. At its base is the famous Manimahesh Lake. Considered as a holy spot, a
yatra or pilgrimage called the Manimahesh Yatra is conducted here every year
immediately after the festival of Janamashtami. 
The Manimahesh fair held here every year by the nomadic Gaddis has been
declared a state level fair by the Himachal Government eight years ago and has
gained a lot of importance since then. 

Amongst the various winter carnivals held in Himachal Pradesh, Manimahesh Fair is
an important fair held in the month of February and attracts lot of locals and tourists
from across the country. 

MINJAR FAIR

Introduction to Minjar Fair in Himachal Pradesh: 

The Minjar Fair is held in Himachal Pradesh with great pomp and fanfare. Tourists
throng the Chamba region at Himachal Pradesh during the Minjar Fair. It is a fiesta
that brings into notice the rich cultural heritage of India. Numerous legends are
associated with the Minjar Fair in Himachal Pradesh.

History of Minjar Fair in Himachal Pradesh: 

The Chamba Town in Himachal Pradesh has gained eminence because of this fair.
The River Ravi used to flow in between the Champawati Temple and Hari Rai
Temple. The people who visited any one of these two temples had to cross the river
Ravi to go to the other. So, the Raja of Himachal Pradesh, asked a saint to make
Hari Rai Temple accessible to everyone. 

The saint in turn ordered the Raja and his subjects to assemble at the Champawati
Temple. There a yagna or fire sacrifice was conducted for seven days. The
Brahmins who were invited from Benaras prepared a cord of various colors known
as Minjar. 

After the yagna was over, miraculously, the Rive Ravi changed its course and people
could then easily visit the temple of Hari Rai. The name Minjar emerged from the
cord spun by the Brahman. 

According to another legend, the Minjar Temple derives its name from the tale of the
old woman who wished to meet the king of Chamba but she was so poor that she
could not bring a nice gift for the king. But she brought a Maize Flower called Minjar
for the benevolent king and from here the name Minjar Fair emerged. The king was
so delighted with the old woman that he declared that day to be feted as Minjar Fair. 

Description of the Minjar Fair: 

In the Minjar Fair people generally wear silk costumes and there is always a stalk of
Minjar attached to it. They offer their prayers to the Laxmi Narayan Temple and
celebrate throughout the week. The stalk of Maize symbolizes their faith in God and
also indicates their expectation of a good harvest.

During the Minjar Fair, sweets, fruits and money are sent to friends and relatives.
The immersion ceremony follows the Puja. This is marked by a grand procession. 

In this impressive procession the Raghuvir Verman idol along with other gods and
goddesses are taken in Palanquins for immersion in the river. As a mark of
reminiscence a flag, known as Shahi Flag, is taken back home. 

Time for the celebration of Minjar Fair:

From the last Sunday of July, the Minjar Fair commences. It continues for seven
days at a stretch and is a splendid carnival of Himachal Pradesh.
PHULAICH FAIR

The Phulaich Fair is held every year in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is held
in the month of September in the Kinnaur district. Although the state of Himachal
Pradesh is extremely famous for its fairs and festivals, especially for the spirit of its
locals. Phulaich Fair is the best of its kind in Himachal Pradesh.
According to Hindu calendar it is organized in the month of Bhadrapada, which
witnesses a sprout of monsoons. The Fair is basically associated with the
flower watching festival of Ukhyang in the Kinnaur Valley.

The Phulaich Festival also known as Fulaich Festival is associated with the act of
remembering the ones who has passed away. The village comes alive during the
festivities of the fair. Colorful stalls and participants from the nearby areas throng the
place during the Festival. For tourists or visitors from outside have a proper taste 
The Phulaich fair or Fulaich fair is celebrated with great fervor by the locals of the
place. The festivities normally start with villagers going on mountain top and
collecting Ladra flowers. Villagers also sacrifice animals. The fair is associated with
the act of remembering the ones passed away and thus relatives offer wine, rice and
food to their dear deceased ones, which are later distributed among the poor.
Following this ritual, the village people gather to visit the Dhangaspa family house
and show their respect by garlanding the family members. Also, the village people
are seen playing drums and blowing bugles to greet the heroic team that climbed the
hill top to collect the Ladra flowers.Throughout the fair number of dances are
performed by the village people, carrying war weapons depicting ancient war
scenes.

SHIMLA SUMMER FESTIVAL

Introduction to Shimla's Summer Festival in Himachal Pradesh  

The Shimla Summer Festival takes place during summer (in May). It is one of the
exclusive festivals at Himachal Pradesh and during this festival the entire state
bedecks itself in a rich hue.

Since Himachal Pradesh lies in the extreme north, the temperature remains below
normal for most time of the year. So, summer is a season to rejoice and celebrate for
the inhabitants of Himachal Pradesh.

Shimla is also known as the land of Gods because of its marvellous beauty. The
landscape of Shimla is extraordinary and it produces a powerful visual impact.
The enticing landscape of Shimla is made more conspicuous by its richly tinted fairs
and festivals and Shimla's Summer Festival is no exception. It speaks much about
itself by its alluring beauty and the Summer Fair adds a new-fangled shade its wide
array of colors.

Description of the Summer Festival in Himachal Pradesh  

Shimla is such a beautiful place that it could only have been drawn by the master
stroke of a great painter. Known to be Gods Abode, Shimla offers an exquisite
landscape. The delightful scenery is captivating and as a painter dips his brush into
his own soul and paints his own nature into the canvas, similarly, the nature in
Shimla recognizes this artist as God. Perhaps that is the reason why it is also known
as an Abode of God.

Shimla's Summer Festival indicates the rich cultural heritage of India because
Shimla has tried its best to reserve the rich and elegant traditional heritage. Shimla's
Summer Festival consists of a huge association of men and women who gather and
celebrate the advent of summer. They sing and dance in gratefulness to the glory of
God.

They offer thanks for the rich harvest and the golden crop and also requests God for
a repetition of the same bliss on the following year. In Himachal Pradesh May is the
sweetest month, and they celebrate this sweet May with exuberant pomp and
grandeur.

Time for the celebration of Summer Festival in Himachal Pradesh:  

As the name suggests the Summer Festivals in Himachal Pradesh is usually held at
the advent of summer. This year it will be celebrated in early June.
SHIVRATRI FAIR, MANDI

Fairs and festivals of Himachal Pradesh, India is a wonderful example of the culture
and traditions of government by the people. In reality, there is so much talk about
this list is pretty long. And one of the most important fairs and festivals of Himachal
Pradesh is Shivratri Fair to be held in the picturesque Mandi. Held in February and
March each year, Mandi Shivratri fair attracts visitors from all over. Festivities will last
about a week and a multitude of colors are sure to amaze the viewer. During
Shivratri Fair Himachal Pradesh, pleasantly decorated crowbars to carry out all the
local deity of the city passenger Mandi. Accompanied by folk bands, and hordes of
enthusiastic amateurs, crowbars stop Mash Rai Temple and then proceed to the
Bhootnath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
SIPI FAIR

Shimla in Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful city in India is the ideal place to spend
your holidays. This place is a climate that is very relaxing and very nice, especially in
summer. This place is known for its beauty and its festivals. Festivals and Events in
Shimla are very popular among tourists and locals. All festivals are held in this
district Sipi Fair in Shimla is one. Sipi Fair in Shimla, the exhibition will see a large
gathering of people. Sipi Fair in Shimla starts in May. This month is considered the
best month of Shimla. It happens Mashobra, a village in this district. This festival is a
huge riot of colors. The persons, local government officials and tourists to participate
in the joy of the holiday. Like any other show, this is also the opportunity to meet
other people. This is the time to join the local culture in India. Previously, Rana, and
the house before the main guest of the festival.

IMPORTANCE OF FAIRS AND FESTIVALS IN TOURISM

Fairs and festivals empower communities to attract new visitors while capitalizing on
local commercial and cultural value. The impact of these events can be counted in
dollars, but indirect value is also created through the positive presentation of the
community and the social interactions that fairs and festivals engender.

Net Impact

The net impact of fairs and festivals includes money spent throughout the community
on accommodations, food, entertainment and services. Taxes and fees imposed on
fair vendors can be reinvested into tourism promotion.

Cultural Tourism
The opportunity to absorb local culture is a key driver of tourism, and festivals, which
typically possess a local flair, are strategic occasions for tourists to experience new
cultures.

Overcoming Seasonality

Fairs and festivals held outside of the traditional tourist season provide more
consistent returns to local commerce.

Community Showcase

The entertainment and personal social interactions of a fair give visitors a positive
view of the community. Tourists are afforded face-to-face connections with local
people and businesses, thus increasing the likelihood of sales as well as return
visits.

Demographics

The variety of activities and commodities available at fairs and festivals widens a
community's demographic appeal. Festivals tempt visitors that may have never
before considered travelling to that community.

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

This portion of analysis and interpretation constitutes analysis of 50 questionnaires

which were filled by tourists of different state and country during the survey.

A SURVEY OFTOURISTS

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF NATIVE PLACE OF TOURISTS

TABLE NO.1

SR NO. NATIVE NO. OF TOURISTS PERCENTAGE

PLACE
1 NEW DELHI 10 20%
 2 HARYANA 7 14%
3 PUNJAB 8 16%
4 GUJARAT 10 20%
5 UTTRAKHAND
SR NO GENDER 5
NO. OF TOURISTS 10%
PERCENTAGE
6 FORIEGNERS
1 MALE 10 26 20%
52%
TOTAL 50 100%
2 FEMALE 24 48%

TOTAL 50 100%
CLASSIFIACTION ON THE BASIS OF NATIVE
PLACE

FORIEGNERS NEW DELHI

20% 20%

UTTRAKHAND
10% HARYANA
14%

GUJARAT
20% PUNJAB
16%

INTERPRETATION: From the above table it is clear that major portion of tourists
came from northern region of India for ecotourism in the district.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF GENDER

TABLE NO.2

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF

GENDER

FEMALE
48% MALE
52%
INTERPRETATION:

Above table shows that among the tourists 52% were males and 48%
were females.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF AGE

TABLE NO. 3

SR NO AGE NO. OF PERCENTAGE

TOURISTS
1 BELOW 20 15 30%
2 20-40 18 36%
318 40-60 12 24%
16
414 ABOVE 60 5 10%
NO. OF TOURISTS

TOTAL12 50 100%
10
8
6
4
2
0
BELOW 20 20-40 40-60 ABOVE 60
AGE
INTERPRETATION:

It is clear from the above bar diagram that major percentages of tourists
visited are from 20 to 40 years of age group i.e. 36%.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF MARITAL STATUS

TABLE NO. 4

SR NO MARITAL NO. OF PERCENTAGE

STATUS TOURISTS
1 MARRIED 28 56%

2 CLASSIFICATION
UNMARRIED 22MARITAL
ON THE BASIS OF 44%

TOTAL STATUS 50 100%

UNMARRIED
44%

MARRIED
56%
INTERPRETATION:

Above pie diagram shows that 56% of the tourists were married and
rest 44% are unmarried.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

TABLE NO. 5

SR NO ED NO. OF PERCENTAGE
QUALIFICATION TOURISTS
1 MATRIC 4 8%

2 10+2 5 10%

3 GRADUATION 26 52%

4 P.G 15 30%

TOTAL 50 100%
 P.G

ED. QUALIFICATION
GRADUATION

10+2

MATRIC

0 5 10 15 20 25 30
NO.OF TOURISTS

INTERPRETATION:-

Above table shows that 52 % of the tourists were graduate, 30% were
post graduate, 10% were 10+2 and rest 8% were matric.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF OCCUPATION

TABLE NO.6
 CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF OCCU-
PATION
25
SR NO OCCUPATION NO. OF PERCENTAGE
22
20
TOURISTS
1 GOVT
18 18 36%
15 EMPLOYEE
2 BUSINESSMEN 22 44%
10
8
3 STUDENT 8 16%
5

4 OTHERS 2 2 4%
0
GOVT EMPLOYEE BUSINESSMEN STUDENT OTHERS
TOTAL 50 100%

INTERPRETATION:-

This is clear from the above table that businessmen are more intrested
in ecotourism i.e. 44% after them govt. employees are there i.e.36%, students were
16% and 4% were from various occupation.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF NUMBER OF TIMES ON FAIRS

TABLE NO. 7

SR NO NO OF TIMES NO. OF TOURISTS PERCENTAGE

ON FAIRS
1 ONCE 12 24%
2 TWICE 18 36%
3 3 TIMES 12 24%
4 4 TIMES 7 14%
5 5TIMES 0 0%
6 OVER 5 TIMES 1 2%
TOTAL 50 100%
 NO. OF TIMES OF VISITATION OF FAIRS & FES-
TIVALS

18

12 12

1
0
ONCE TWICE 3 TIMES 4 TIMES 5TIMES OVER 5 TIMES

INTERPRETATION:-

it is clear from the above graph that 36% of the tourists visited fairs and
festival of himachal twice, 24% each once and thrice, 14% 4 times, 2% over 5 times
and none visited five times.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF MODE OF TRANSPORTATION

TABLE NO. 8
 CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF MODE OF
TRANSPORTATION
SR NO. MODE OF NO. OF TOURISTS PERCENTAGE
TRAVELLING
OTHERS 8
1 PVT. CAR 18 36%
PUBLIC 2 HIRE VEHICLE
4 12 24%
BUS/COACH
3 MOTORBIKE 3 6%
TOUR BUS 5
4 TOUR BUS 5 10%
MOTORBIKE 3
5 PUBLIC 4 8%
BUS/COACH
HIRE VEHICLE 12
6 OTHERS 8 16%
TOTAL
PVT. CAR 50 100% 18

INTERPRETATION:-

Above table shows that 36% tourists used private car as a mode of
transportation, 24% hire vehicle, 16% use other modes of transportation, 10% used
tour bus, 8% public coach and 6% motorbike.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF TYPE OF GROUP

TABLE NO. 9

SR NO. TYPE OF GROUP NO. OF TOURISTS PERCENTAGE

1 TOUR GROUP 12 24%

CLASSIFICATION
2 FAMILY ON THE BASIS OF
16 TYPE OF 32%
3 FRIENDS GROUP 14 28%
4 SPOUSE/PARTNER 6 12%
16
5 OTHERS 2 4%
14
TOTAL 12 50 100%
NO. OF TOURISTS

10
8
6
4
2
0
TOUR GROUP FAMILY FRIENDS SPOUSE/ OTHERS
PARTNER
INTERPRETATION:-

It is clear from the table shown above that majority of tourists visited for
fairs and festivals with their family i.e. 32%, 28% visited with friends, 24% with tour
group, and 12% with their spouse/ partner and rest 4% others.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF PURPOSE OF VISIT

TABLE NO. 10

SR NO. PURPOSE OF NO. OF TOURISTS PERCENTAGE

VISIT
1 CLASSIFICATION
PACKAGE TOUR ON THE PURPOSE OF 8 VISIT 16%
2 VFR 6 12%
OTHERS PACKAGE TOUR
3 RECREATION
10% 16% 6 12%
4 KNOWING 12 24%
CULTURE VFR
5 ON HOLIDAY
ON HOLIDAY 13
12% 26%
26%
7 OTHERS 5 10%
TOTAL 50 100%

RECREATION
12%

KNOWING CULTURE
24%
INTERPRETATION:-

Above pie diagram shows that large number of tourists i.e. 26% visited
on holiday, 24% for knowing culture of H.P., 16% with package tour, 12% each for
recreational purpose and visiting friends and relatives and 10% for other purposes.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF INFORMATION GATHERED

TABLE NO. 11

SR NO. INFORMATION ABOUT NO. OF TOURISTS PERCENTAGE

FAIRS & FESTIVALS
1 RECOMMENDATION 12 24%
2 WORD OF MOUTH 6 12%
3 TIC 4 8%
4 TRAVEL EXHIBITION 4 8%
5 FRIENDS/ RELATIVES 6 12%
6 NEWSPAPER/MAGAZINE 2 4%
7 MEDIA 9 18%
8 OTHERS 7 14%
TOTAL 50 100%

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF INFOR-

MATION GATHERED
12

9
7
6 6
4 4
2
TIC

IA

RS
TH

N
N

ED
IVE

HE
IO

IN
TIO

OU

M
BIT

AZ

OT
AT
DA

AG
HI

EL
EN

OF

EX

/R

/M
M

EL

DS
D

ER
M

OR

AV

IEN
CO

AP
W

TR

FR
RE

SP
W
NE

INTERPRETATION:-

From the above table, it is clear that 24% of the tourists gathered
information about fairs and festivals of himachal Pradesh through recommendation,
18% from media, 14% from various other sources, 12% each from word of mouth
and friends and relatives, 8% each from tourist information centre and travel
exhibitions and just 4% from newspaper/ magazines.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF WHETHER PROBLEMS FACED

TABLE NO. 12

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF

WHETHER PROBLEMS FACED

YES
36%

NO
64%
 SR WHETHER PROBLEMS NO. OF PERCENTAGE
NO. FACED DURING TRIP TOURISTS

1 YES 18 36%

2 NO 32 64%

TOTAL   50 100%

INTERPRETATION:-

Above pie diagram shows that 64% of tourists committed that they
have not faced any problem while 36% faced various types of problems.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF PROBLEMS BASED BY TOURISTS

TABLE NO. 13

SR NO. PROBLEMS NO. OF TOURISTS PERCENTAGE

1 ATTITUDE OF LOCAL PEOPLE 5 10%

2 ATTITUDE OF SHOPKEEPERS 15 30%

3 SERVICES PROVIDED BY GOVT 5 10%

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF PROBLEM
4 ANY OTHER 25 50%
FACED
TOTAL   50 100%

ATTITUDE OF
LOCAL PEOPLE
10%

ANY OTHER ATTITUDE OF

50% SHOPKEEPERS
30%

SERVICES
PROVIDED BY
GOVT
10%
INTERPRETATION:-

Above table shows that 30% of the tourists faced problems with the
attitude of shopkeepers, 10% each by services provided by govt. and attitude of local
people and major portion of tourists i.e. 50% faced various other problems.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF FAIR VISITED

TABLE NO. 14

SR NO. FAIR VISITED NO. OF TOURISTS PERCENTAGE

1 MINJAR FAIR 5 10%

2 LAVI FAIR 8 16%

3 KULLU DUSSEHRA 18 36%

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF FAIR VISITED
4 MANDI SHIVRATRI 7 14%
18
5 SUMMER FESTIVAL 8 16%

6 ANY OTHER 4 8%

TOTAL   8 50
8 100%
7
5
4
R

ER
IR

AI

L
RA

TR

IVA
FA

TH
F

EH

A
VI

YO
AR

ST
VR
SS
LA

FE
NJ

HI

AN
DU

IS
MI

ER
LLU

ND

M
M
KU

MA

SU
INTERPRETATION:-

Above table shows that 36% of the tourists visited Kullu Dussehra,
16% each visited Lavi fair and Shimla Summer festival, 14% visited Mandi Shivratri,
10 % visited Minjar fair and 8% visited other fairs of Himachal Pradesh.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF LIKING OF FAIR

TABLE NO 15

SR NO. LIKED THE FAIR VISITED NO. OF TOURISTS PERCENTAGE

1 YES 28 56%

2 NO 8 16%

3 DON’T KNOW 14 28%

TOTAL   LIKED THE FAIR VISITED 50 100%

30

25

20

15

10

0
YES NO DON’T KNOW
INTERPRETATION:-

it is clear from the above table that 56% of the tourists liked the fair
visited, 16% did not liked the fair visited while 28% replied that they don’t know.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF ENJOYMENT OF VISIT

TABLE NO. 16

SR NO. ENJOYED THE VISIT NO. OF TOURISTS PERCENTAGE

1 YES, EXCELLENT 18 36%

2 YES, GOOD 12 24%

3 REASONABLY 10 20%

4 NOT REALLY 4 8%

5 DON’T KNOW 6 12%

TOTAL   50 100%

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF ENJOYMENT

OF VISIT

DON’T KNOW 6

NOT REALLY 4

REASONABLY 10

YES, GOOD 12

YES, EXCELLENT 18
INTERPRETATION:-

Above table indicates that 36% tourists were very happy and enjoyed a
lot, 24% said that it was good, 20% thought the visit was reasonable, 12% did not
know and 8 % not really liked the visit.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF AGAIN VISITATION

TABLE NO. 17

SR NO. VISIT AGAIN NO. OF TOURISTS PERCENTAGE

1 YES 29 58%

2 NO 8 16%

3 DON’T KNOW 13 26%

TOTAL   50 100%

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF AGAIN VIS-

ITATION
29

13

YES NO DON’T KNOW

INTERPRETATION:-

Above table indicates that 58% of the tourists agreed to visit again in
the fair, 16% said no they would not visit again and 26% were unsure of thier visit
again.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF LACK OF PUBLICITY

TABLE NO. 18

SR NO. LACK OF PUBLICITY NO. OF TOURISTS PERCENTAGE

1 STRONGLY AGREE 15 30%

2 AGREE 12 24%

3 STRONGLY DISAGREE 5 10%

4 DISAGREE 7 14%

5 NO COMMENTS 11 22%

TOTAL   50 100%

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF LACK OF

PUBLICITY

STRONGLY
NO COMMENTS AGREE
22% 30%

DISAGREE
14%

AGREE
24%
STRONGLY DISAGREE
10%
INTERPRETATION:-

above pie diagram shows that 30% of the tourists were strongly agreed
on the issue of lack of publicity of fairs and festivals, 24% were agree, 14% were
disagree, 10% were strongly disagree while 22% gave no comments.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF LIKING OF HIMACHALI CUISINE

TABLE NO. 19

SR NO. LIKED HIMACHALI CUISINE NO. OF TOURISTS PERCENTAGE

1 YES, ITS GOOD 22 44%

2 SATISFACTORY 16 32%

3 NOT GOOD AT ALL 5 10%

4 CAN'T SAY 7 14%

TOTAL   50 100%

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF LIKING OF

HIMACHALI CUISINE
25

20

15

10

0
YES, ITS GOOD SATISFACTORY NOT GOOD AT ALL CAN'T SAY
INTERPRETATION:-

Above table indicates that 44% of the tourists found himachali cuisine
very good, 32% found it satisfactory, 14% gave no response and 10% said that it
was not good.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF PLEASING NATURE OF LOCAL

COMMUNITY

TABLE NO. 20

SR NO. PLEASING NATURE OF NO. OF TOURISTS PERCENTAGE

LOCAL COMMUNITY

1 YES 28 56%

2 NO 22 44%

TOTAL   50 100%

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF PLEASING

NATURE OF LOCALS

NO
44%

YES
56%
INTERPRETATION:-

Above pie diagram shows that 56% of the tourists were impressed from
the pleasing nature of the local community while 44% were not impressed from the
pleasing nature of the local community.

CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF REPRESENTATION OF CULTURE IN

COSTUMES

TABLE NO. 21

SR REPRESENTATION OF NO. OF PERCENTAGE

NO. CULTURE IN COSTUMES TOURISTS

1 YES 29 58%

2 NO 8 16%

3 UPTO SOME EXTENT 13 26%

TOTAL   50 100%

REPRESENTATION OF CULTURE IN COSTUMES

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
YES NO UPTO SOME EXTENT

INTERPRETATION:-
 Above table indicates that 58% of the tourists were agreed that local
community represents their culture in costumes, 16% were disagree and 26% said
up to some extent.

EXISTING PROBLEMS AND SUGGESTIONS

There are various problems which are hurdle in the way of fairs and festivals of
Himachal Pradesh in promotion of tourism. These problems need to be overcome in
the best possible way so that fairs and festivals of our state can attract more and
more tourists to the state and can contribute in tourism industry. Various problems
and suggestions related to them are as follows:-

1. Lack of promotions for Festival Tourism

Our state is lacking in the promotion of festival tourism. Himachal is blessed

with large number of cultural fairs and festivals which can attract large number
of tourist’s not only domestic, also international tourists but they are unaware
of our fairs and festivals. Lack of promotion is major drawback.

Suggestions

There are many ways through which fairs and festivals can be promoted such as
they can be promoted through means of:

 Internet

 Advertisements on television

 Brochures
  Travel agency can also play an important role in the tourism industry. During
the festival, the hot destinations are usually crowded with tourists. The tourists
couldn’t enjoy the beautiful scenery or take part in the interesting activities.
Travel agents can help them by providing best services.

 Regional government attach much importance on the development of tourism

industry and can try to promote Festival Tourism.

 Providing more information about state’s culture, fairs and festivals by travel
guide during trip.

2. Uneven level between supply and demand

Supply and demand aspect of festival tourism in Himachal Pradesh is uneven

till date. When supply of services is surplus then demand is less and when
demand is more then supply is not enough. Most of the times whenever
tourists interact with our culture supply factor lag behind demand of the
tourists. It is seen in almost each and every festival of the state when tourists
visit them they were not satisfied with the services provided.

Suggestions

 Set up more direction boards: - Many tourists often complaints that proper
guidance to reach the venue of the festival is not available therefore clear and
genuine direction boards must be set up.

 Set up a viewing platform: - every time it is seen that tourists could not get
chance to view different cultural activities clearly due to the presence of huge
crowd of local community therefore proper platform should be set up
exclusively for tourists.

 Prepare temporary awnings: - Himachal Pradesh is a hilly state due to

which weather conditions are very uncertain here due to which tourists often
face problems therefore temporary provisions should be made in every
festival.

3. Difficulty in stimulating tourists’ interests

 It is often seen that tourists are uninterested in various activities held at various
events this is due to their least interaction with actual activities and local culture.

Suggestions

 In order to appeal tourists, more interactive activities should be arranged for

tourists so that they can also take part in event which can also raise their
interest to attend the event.

4. Limited supplier capacity in tourist areas

This problem of overwhelmed capacity leads to another issue, tourists getting

unsatisfied during the trip. The service quality of hotels and restaurants was lowered
due to the huge amount of tourists.

Suggestions

 Service quality is a key element in tourism service, so the quality should not
be lowered in any circumstance. To make sure the standard of hotels and
restaurants in the spots during the festival, inspectors could be arranged as
tourists by tourism bureau. Some regulations and penalties also should be
established to alert service providers.
CONCLUSION

Generally speaking, tourism industry is considered as “sunshine industry” in India

because the industry has been expanding at an unprecedented speed since 1980s.
The festival tourism is one of the important parts in tourism industry. Tourists want
more than sight-seeing during travelling that is what festivals can offer to the tourists.
Governments and tourism bureaus also offer a serious of preferential policies to
promote the festival tourism.

The finding of this research shows us that the festivals have contributed in the
development of culture tourism. Festivals attract culture tourists to local community
events to promote cultural exchanges between tourists and resident. Tourism
festivals have major effects on the local economy directly and indirectly. That the
spending by visitors on local goods and services by event-tourist has a direct
economic impact on local businesses and also passes the benefits more widely
across the economy and the community.
This research has also suggested that the cultural tourism has been increased
through development of local festivals and provided greater economic and cultural
benefits to the local areas. The visitors are attracted to these festivals as far as
Himachal Pradesh. It was found that social and economic factors contributed to
culture tourism growth in these festivals.
Although festival tourism in Himachal Pradesh still has much to be improved, we
believe that with our understanding and continuous efforts, festival tourism will
become an essential part in the industry.

BIBLIOGRAPHIES

BOOKS
 Rajender Attri--- HIMACHAL PRADESH- A Himalayan Dreamland
 Wonderland Himachal
 Devendra K. Pirta--- Himachal Pradesh, The Himalayan State
 Mian Goverdhan Singh—Himachal Pradesh, History, Culture & Economy
 Brochures of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation

REPORTS
 Gautam, Nandini (1987), Problems and Prospects of Tourism in Shimla City,
Deptt. Of Commerce & Business Administration.

WEB CONCERNS
 www.ministryoftourism.com
 www.hptdc.gov.in
  www.unwto.com
 www.itdc.com
 www.himachaltourism.com

ANNEXURE
INSTITUTE OF VOCATIONAL STUDIES

MASTER OF TOURISM ADMINISTRATION

Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla-171 005

Tel-fax 0177 2633251 (O)

Website: www.mtashimla.org

“ROLE OF FAIRS AND FESTIVAL IN TOURISM PROMOTION OF H.P.”

A SURVEY OF TOURISTS

Dear respondent, Masters of Tourism Administration Department of Himachal

Pradesh University is conducting a survey on “Role of fairs and festival in tourism
promotion of Himachal Pradesh”. Information provided by you will be highly valuable
for us, will keep secret and will be strictly used for research purpose only.

The questionnaire will take no longer than 10 minutes to complete

1) Name of the Tourist________________________________________
2) Your native country/state____________________________________
3) Gender__________________________________________________
4) Age_____________________________________________________
5) Marital Status_____________________________________________
6) Educational Qualifications___________________________________
7) Occupation______________________________________________
8) How many times have you visited Fairs and Festivals?
a) Once b) Twice
c) Three Times d) Four Times
e) Five Times f) More than five times
9) How did you travelled to your destination area?
a) Private car b) Hire vehicle
c) Motor bike d) Public bus/ coach
e) Other
10)What was the type of your group?
a) Tour Group b) Family
c) Friends d) Spouse/ partner
e) Other
11)What was the purpose of that visit?
a) Part of package tour b) Visiting Friends & Relatives
c) Recreation d) Knowing culture of Himachal
e) on Holiday f) Other
12)How did you hear about Fairs and Festivals of Himachal Pradesh?
a) Recommendation b) Word of mouth
c) Information centre d) Travel exhibition
e) Friends and Relatives f) News or magazine
g) Media h) Other
13)Did you faced any problems during your visit?
a) Yes b) No
14)If yes, what was the problem?
a) Attitude of local people b) Attitude of Shopkeepers
c) Services provided by govt. d) Any other
15)Which fair did you visited?
a) Minjar b) Lavi
c) Kullu dussehra d) Mandi Shivratri
e) Summer festival f) Any other
16)Did you liked the festival you visited?
a) Yes b) No
c) Don’t know
17)Which other fairs and festivals would you like to visit in Himachal Pradesh?
please
specify----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
18)Taking everything into account did you enjoyed your visit?
a) Yes, excellent b) Yes, good
c) Reasonably d) Not really
e) Don’t know
19)Would you plan to visit again?
a) Yes b) No
c) Don’t know
20)Please mention some important items you have purchased/ liked while
shopping-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
21)Please answer the following in codes about your satisfaction level
i) Fully satisfied ii) upto some extent
iii) At par iv) Dissatisfied
v) No comments
a) Arrangements for Tourists
b) Attitude of local people
c) Attitude of shopkeepers
d) Quality of local cuisine
 e) Public convenience/ facilities
f) Availability of cultural information literature
22)Do you think tourists are not much known to fairs and festival because of lack
of publicity?
a) Strongly agree b) Agree
c) Strongly disagree d) Disagree
e) No comments
23)Did you like the himachali cuisine offered in festivals?
a) Yes, it’s good b) Satisfactory but not that good
c) Not good at all d) Can’t say
24)Are pleased with the nature of local community?
a) Yes b) No

25)Do you think that local community represent their culture in the term of
costumes?
a) Yes b) No
c) upto some extent
26)Would you like to give any suggestions to promote fairs and festivals of the
state-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------.

Thanks for your nice cooperation.

Dated____________ Signature
______________