Unique Holi celebration of Sangla Valley in Himachal Pradesh

Sangla Valley is a scenic valley located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The valley is situated at an altitude of around 2,700 m above sea level and is known for its picturesque landscapes, apple orchards, and traditional Kinnauri villages. But today we are not here for the stunning landscape, we are here for the unique celebration of Holi in Sangla Valley.
Also read: These Indian places are known for their Holi celebrations; know why!

In Sangla Valley, Holi is a part of the four-day Faguli Festival. Holi is celebrated on the third day of the festival. Sangla Valley’s main temple or Nag Temple is where the main celebration takes place. On the morning of Holi, everyone gathers at the Nag Mandir where some of the men get dressed as characters from the epic Ramayana.


These characters then lead the procession from the Nag Temple and move from one village to another. It’s a sight to behold. During the procession, local delicacies and traditional liquor called phasur are also served.


In case you are wondering, here Holi is played with dry colours and snow! The sound of the beating drums, the village folks singing and dancing, children playing with the colours, it’s truly a celebration where the whole valley comes together in good spirit. As the procession travels from one village to another, more and more people join the fun.

How to reach Sangla Valley?
By Road: The most convenient way to reach Sangla Valley is by road. There are regular buses and taxis available from major cities in Himachal Pradesh like Shimla and Rampur. The distance from Shimla to Sangla Valley is approximately 230 km and takes around 8-9 hours to cover.
By Air: Though Shimla has an airport, flight services might be restricted to heli-taxi services. So the best option is Chandigarh Airport which is just 120 km from Shimla. From Shimla one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sangla Valley.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Sangla Valley is in Shimla, which is well-connected to major cities in India.