You must’ve heard of Brij’s famous Holi celebrations that celebrate the divine love between Krishna and Radha. But have you heard of a Holi that is played with colors and snow and is the lovechild of Holi and Diwali? We’re talking about the Sangla Holi celebrated in the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh. Keep reading to know more about the dates, important rituals, and how you can reach here.
Sangla Holi 2025: All That You Need To Know
A Brief Overview Of Sangla Holi
Beyond the famously celebrated Holi in Vrindavan, Mathura, and Barsana lies a different kind of Holi celebrated in the Sangla Valley. The valley is located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh and is about 2,700 meters above sea level. It is known for celebrating a kind of Holi that captures the essence of both Holi and Diwali. Holi here is a part of the 4-day Faguli or Fagli Festival with the Holi as we know it being celebrated on the third day.
Four-Day Faguli Festival
The Faguli Festival is celebrated in many parts of Himachal Pradesh, including Sangla Valley, Spiti, Tirthan Valley, Kullu, and many other places. It is also known as the ‘Festival of Masks’. Men from these villages dress up in colorful costumes of brass and straw and wear elaborate floral headgear. They also carry masks that represent demons and various characters from local stories and the Indian epic of Ramayana with them.
This festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and celebrates a sense of harmony with the community and the environment.
In Sangla Valley, Day 1 of the Faguli Festival begins with the distribution of the Totu – a kind of prasad (food offering). It is made with roasted barley and buttermilk. The second day is celebrated by burning the effigy of Holika, also commonly celebrated in other parts of India.
On the day of Holi, people decorate their homes with diyas as seen on the day of Diwali. They visit the Nag Temple here and seek the blessings of the deity before celebrating the festival. Men dress up in elaborate costumes, mostly as characters from the Ramayana. However, both men and women participate in the Phagli dance, characterized by intricate footwork and graceful movement. The festival isn’t just about throwing colors at each other, but also about celebrating the harmonious relationship between humans and the environment.
How Is Sangla Holi Special?
Sangla Holi is quite different from other kinds of Holi celebrated in India. The festival has rituals observed in both Holi and Diwali, making it a unique experience. Add to that the elaborate rituals carried out only by men in heavy straw and brass costumes. When it is thought that such flamboyant or elaborate clothing is reserved for women only, there are many communities in remote India where such roles usually get reversed in a good way. Moreover, the festival is about maintaining a healthy and sustainable relationship with the environment and nature’s forces.
How To Reach Sangla Valley
By Air
The easiest way to reach Sangla Valley by air is to get down at the Bhuntar Airport and hire a cab to reach Sangla. The distance is about 240 kilometers (km) and takes about 7 hours to reach.
By Rail
You can board a train from Delhi to Kalka and then shift to the Shimla-Kalka Toy Train. Once you reach Shimla, you can get a bus or cab to reach Sangla (215 km).
By Road
You can get local and state-run buses from Shimla to reach Sangla. To reach Shimla, you can easily get a bus or cab from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Ludhiana.
Tips For Sangla Holi
- Respect local customs and traditions and try to participate with an open mind.
- Apply oil to your skin and hair for easy removal of Holi colors.
- Opt for organic colors to avoid skin irritation.
- Keep yourself hydrated on the day of the festival.
- If you’re traveling alone, it is best to send your location to a known person and keep emergency contacts handy.
- Make sure that your electronic devices have sufficient power backup.
Summing Up
From the Basanta Utsav and Dol Utsav in West Bengal to the Phoolon Ki Holi in Vrindavan and the Sangla Holi in Sangla Valley, the festival only ensures that different parts of India celebrate it in their own unique way. Though the rituals are different, there is a common underlying theme of celebrating the environment, bonding with each other, and bidding adieu to the winters and welcoming the spring season. How will you celebrate your Holi?
FAQs
Which Place Is Best To Visit During Holi?
These are the best places in India for Holi:
- Vrindavan
- Mathura
- Shantiniketan, Kolkata
- Barsana
- Jaipur
- Sangla Valley
- Mumbai
Why Is Barsana Holi Famous?
Barsana Holi is famous as it is believed that Lord Krishna used to visit the town with his friends to play Holi with Radha and her friends.
Why Is Sangla Famous?
Sangla is famous for its picture-perfect valleys and scenic mountains. The town is located close to the Baspa River and is known amongst the trekking community.
