Bhoj Fair Rohru, Shimla: Dates, History and Tips

The Bhoj Fair Shimla is a famous three-day cultural festival held every year in November. This religious festival takes place in a village named Gumman in Rohru. This traditional event is a very important celebration for the local community and attracts many visitors to Shimla each year. 

Shimla is among the most beautiful destinations in Dev Bhoomi Himachal. But beyond its natural beauty, the capital city is also famous for its unique cultural festivals. Bhoj Fair Shimla is one of the most amazing religious festivals, which is celebrated every year in Gumman village of Rohru. This three-day fair is very special to locals in Rohru, as it honors their powerful deity, Devta Bansor. 

It brings together thousands of people from nearby villages. People from different parts of India also visit here to witness this joyful gathering and its unique rituals. If you want to experience an amazing side of Shimla, you must plan a trip to Rohru in November during the Bhoj Fair. Read on to learn more about this Himalayan festival and Rohru culture.

Overview of Bhoj Fair Shimla

The Bhoj Fair is one of the most famous and colorful traditional Shimla festivals. This annual fair lasts for three days in November. Locals from Rohru and nearby villages and visitors from other districts and states gather to celebrate and witness this unique culture. 

1. When Is the Bhoj Fair Celebrated?

The fair takes place annually in the pleasant winter month of November. Entry to this Himalayan festival is free. Devotees gather during this time after the autumn harvest season to thank the gods and pray together for prosperity.

2. Where Is the Bhoj Fair Celebrated?

This famous traditional fair of Shimla is celebrated in Gumman village, a lovely rural area located in Rohru. The small mountain village completely transforms into a colorful destination during this time.

3. Main Deities Honored at the Fair

Bhoj Fair Shimla is dedicated primarily to Devta Bansor (Lord Banshur). Along with him, locals also pay respect and offer special prayers to Lord Parshuram and Lord Kilbaru.

4. Duration of the Fair

This traditional festival is celebrated for three days. During these three days, people from many neighboring villages crowd the venue to dance the Natti, perform rituals, and enjoy the festivities. Visitors usually need 2 to 3 hours to experience the fairgrounds.

Bhoj Fair Shimla: Origins & History

The Bhoj Fair honors Devta Bansor, the holy protector of the valley. Long ago, wild animals terrified the villagers. According to local lore, Devta ji appeared in a dream of a village elder and showed him exactly how to perform special rituals to protect the villagers. Villagers followed his instructions and successfully brought peace, safety, and comfort back to the entire village. 

Today, the festival takes place during the apple harvest season. Locals show their gratitude to their kul devta for the good crops and ask for protection against natural disasters. Over the years, this gathering has grown into one of the most important traditional events in the area. 

What Are the Major Attractions of Bhoj Fair Shimla?

The Bhoj Fair Shimla is a lively festival celebrated with great joy and honors local gods. Over three days, this festival showcases the rich culture of the region through unique rituals, Natti dances, and many other experiences. 

• Arrival of Deities: The festival starts with the arrival of local gods carried in beautifully decorated palanquins. Devotees gather in large numbers to welcome them. This grand opening creates a deeply spiritual ambiance for the entire three-day fair celebrations.

• The Devta Milan: A very special highlight of the Bhoj Fair Shimla is Devta Milan. During this beautiful ritual, the decorated palanquins are brought close together and gently bowed toward each other. This act shows great respect between different local gods.

• Nighttime Celebrations: During this three-day festival, people spend the nights listening to ancient stories and singing religious songs together. Everyone enjoys watching traditional folk dances that keep the rich culture of the region alive.

• Shaman Prophecies: Local shamans or gurs perform special rituals during the festival. They enter deep trances to connect with the spiritual world. While in this state, they share important predictions and prophecies about the future year.

• Bustling Local Markets: Beyond these cultural highlights, the fair also features lively markets filled with shops of unique and colorful items. Visitors can shop for warm woollen clothes, beautiful silver ornaments, and other items. You can also find wonderful local craft items for your home decoration and gifting your loved ones.

How to Reach Bhoj Fair from Shimla

You can travel from Shimla to Bhoj Fair by bus or by booking a private taxi. If you are traveling to Delhi or Chandigarh, you can take a bus to Shimla. There is no direct train or flight service, and traveling by road is the most convenient option. You need to travel to Gumman village, Rohru, from Shimla to reach this fair. The journey spans around 115 km and takes around 3 to 4 hours depending on road conditions.

By Private Vehicle or Rented Taxi

You can either take your private car or rent a local cab to reach Gumman Village. This will give you the freedom to enjoy the amazing road trip and stop wherever you want.

• The Route: From Shimla, you will head towards Theog. Then, continue onto the Kotkhai-Hatkoti road, and then move towards Rohru to reach Gumman Village.

• Travel Time: Around 3.5 to 4 hours.

By Public Transport (Bus)

If you prefer a budget-friendly option, HRTC buses are the best option.

• How to catch it: First, you have to go to the ISBT Shimla located in Tutikandi. You have to look for an HRTC bus heading towards Rohru.

• Drop-off: Then, you have to ask the driver or conductor to drop you off at the stop closest to Gumman village. From the main road, you can take a cab or walk to the festival grounds.

Travel Tips for Visiting Bhoj Fair

The Bhoj Fair is a lively cultural festival of Dev Bhoomi Himachal. It beautifully celebrates local deities, and if you are planning to be a part of its unique celebration, you must learn about these travel tips to get the best experience: 

• Best Time to Arrive: You should arrive early in the morning to get plenty of time to find a good viewing spot for the grand, colorful processions and traditional Natti performances.

• What to Wear: You should dress in comfortable, modest clothes that cover your shoulders and knees to respect local traditions. It is advised to wear sturdy walking shoes because you will be walking on uneven, hilly paths during the festival.

• Carry Cash with You: You should bring cash with you because remote hill areas in Shimla often lack ATM machines. Small food stalls and local vendors generally don’t accept card or mobile payments.

• Respect Local Customs: You must always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people or local rituals. You must follow all temple rules carefully, like removing shoes before entering any sacred area and others.

• Stay Hydrated and Safe: You should carry a reusable water bottle and some light snacks to keep your energy up. You must keep your valuable belongings, like wallets and phones, safe, since festival areas get crowded.

• Book Hotels in Advance: If you don’t have a relative or friend in Rohru, you should book your hotel in advance. Booking a hotel last-minute during this three-day festival will be difficult.

• Explore Nearby Places: If you have extra time after attending Bhoj Fair, you can visit nearby attractions around Rohru, like Hatkoti Temple and Chanshal Valley. But check road conditions and travel time before planning your visit. 

Experience the Magic of Bhoj Fair Shimla

The Bhoj Fair is an amazing showcase of upper Shimla traditions and culture. By visiting this festival, you can get the rare chance to see ancient rituals. If you ever plan a trip to Dev Bhoomi Himachal or are planning to visit Shimla before New Year, you can add this experience to your travel list. This is a must-see event for anyone who wants to learn about culture, history, and traditions of different regions in Himachal. Plan an unforgettable journey to the Bhoj Fair in Shimla 

Also Read : Shimla Winter Carnival