Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous state situated in the northern part of India. This is known for its multi-cultural and multilingual attributes. Situated in the foothills of Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh has a rich cultural heritage. Though of the people in this state are Hindu, there are certain pockets where you will also find Buddhist population. This is mainly because Tibet is very close to this state.
Some of the major communities residing in Himachal Pradesh include Rathis, Kolis, Brahmins, Kannets and Rajputs. Apart from this, this state has a tribal population which comprises of Gujjars, Kinnars, Lahaulis, Gaddis and Pangawals. Apart from earning revenue from tourism industry, agriculture is backbone of this state. The main language spoken in this state is Pahari. Apart from this, some of the other tribal dialects used are Lahauli, Kinnauri, Chambyali and Pangwali.
The tourist attractions which you can visit in Himachal Pradesh mainly include the hill-stations. These include Kasauli, Khajjiar, Kufri, Chail, Chamba, Mashobra, Parwanoo, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kanga and Solan. Himachal Pradesh is also known for its lakes - Bhrigu Lake, Chamera Lake,
Chandra Tal, Lake Dal Lake, Nako Lake, Prashar Lake, Renuka Lake, Rewalsar Lake, Seruvalsar Lake, Dashir Lake, Maharana Pratap Sagar, Manimahesh Lake, Gobind Sagar, Khajjiar Lake and Suraj Tal Lake.
Himachal Pradesh is also known for a large number of temples which is scattered all throughout the area. The major temples include Chattari Temples, Chaurasi Temples, Chintpurni Temple, Dhoongri Temple, Hanogi Maa and Koyla Maa Temple, Baba Balaknath Temple, Bajreshwari Temple, Bhimakali Temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple, Hatkoti, Jakhu and Sankat Mochan, Jwaladevi Temple, Lakshmi Narayan Temple,Naina Devi Temple, Prashar Temple, Raghunathji Temple, Renuka Temple and Rewalsar Shikhari Devi Temple.
There are some Buddhist Monastries in Himachal Pradesh as well. These include Dhankar Monastery, Guru Ghantal Monastery, Kardang Monastery, Kungri Gompa, Kye Monastery, Nako, Rewalsar Shashur Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Tashigang Gompa, Tayul Gompa, Thang Yug Gompa and Tilasangh Monastery. You will find churches in Himachal Pradesh which are mainly located in Dalhousie, Dharamshala and Shimla. Manikaran Paonta Sahib and Rewalsar Gurudwara are two popular gurudwara located here.
The culture of Himachal Pradesh is also marked with a large number of fairs and festivals. The most important festivals of this state are Holi, Dussehra and Diwali. Other than this, you will find various other festivals being celebrated here with lot of grandeur and pomp. These include Bishu Festival, Chaitraul Festival, Faguli Festival, Sair Shimla, Gochi Festival, Gugnaumi Festival, Ice Skating Carnival Shimla or Dalhousie International Folk Festival, Himachal Kazas Ladarcha Fair, Khepa Festival, Khogal Festival, Lavi Fair Himachal, Lohadi Festival, Magha Naun Festival, Sajo Festival Shimla, Summer Festival, Himachal Pradesh Winter Carnival and others.
The culture of Himachal Pradesh is also noticeable for its music and dance forms. Some of the popular dance forms practiced in this state include Naati, Kharait, Losar Shona, Gee Dance, Burah dance, Ujagjama, Chuksam, Dangi, Chadhgebrikar and Shunto. This mountainous state is also known for different handicraft items such as shawls, paintings, carpets, leather works, metal ware, woodwork and paintings. The ‘Pashmina Shawls’ found here is one of the most beautiful and globally renowned handicraft product.
To know more about cultural tours in India, browse through the pages of Adventure Asia.
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