Holi is one of the most loved festivals in India. Each Holi is celebrated with excitement and vigour. Many states celebrate this festival in their own ways. Many people from across the world visit the different states to celebrate Holi. Kinnaur is one such region that is famous for celebrating Holi in its unique style.
The exact location of the Holi celebration is Sangla Valley in Kinnaur. This is a beautiful valley situated on the bank of River Baspa, and hence it goes by it’s other name, Baspa Valley. Surrounded by high Himalayas, the valley is known for temples and monuments, and is thoroughly travelled by trekkers. But very few people know about this place’s Holi celebrations. During this festival, the whole valley is lit with colours. Unlike other places, Holi here is celebrated as a part of Faguli festival. Faugli festival is celebrated for four days. Holi is celebrated on the third day of the festival.
Apart from celebrating Holi with colours, the festival here is celebrated with lots of music, local wine, street plays and dancing. The third day starts with men performing a play on Ramayana. They dress up in characters and enact a few action scenes from the epic. A whole parade is organised wherein these skits are performed and as a part of this procession, special wine called Phasur is distributed freely. Residents also prepare a special meal that includes a local bread called Chilta.
The highlight of this day is people playing Holi with snow and dry colours. People indulge in folk dance and sing as they paint the whole valley with colours. On the last day of Faguli, people get dressed up in their traditional attires and dance around with the three local deities.
Holi Celebrations at Sangla Valley lift the spirits of the whole of Kinnaur.