At its core, Holi is a festival of triumph of goodness over evil, symbolizing the devotion of Prahalad for Lord Vishnu. In India, Holi has been celebrated for thousands of years in several parts of the country. That said, every region has its own traditions and customs to celebrate Holi, among which is the unique Sangla Holi. Being a small village in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Sangla has been celebrating the unique hue of Holi for hundreds of years.
Therefore, here we will explore this unique shade of Sangla Holi, why it is special, how you can reach there and immerse yourself in the local traditions, and some tips for first-time travellers.
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Why Sangla Holi is Special
In Sangla village, which is situated in the Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, Holi is celebrated in a peculiar yet beautiful manner. Unlike the other parts of India, they have integrated Holi as a part of their ancient traditional festival, the Faguli Festival. This festival is dedicated to Mother Nature and celebrates the arrival of the Spring season.
Villagers celebrate this festival for 4 consecutive days:
- On the first and second days, they welcome the festival itself with rituals and Totu (roasted barley flour and buttermilk) offerings in the temple.
- The third day embraces the onset of Sangla Holi. On this day, villagers host processions and dramas showcasing the legend of Prahalad in which Lord Vishnu protects Prahalad from Holika and how Holi took birth. On this day, everyone engrosses themselves in the gulal, music, traditional dance, and non-negotiable sweets.
- The fourth day is dedicated to Mother Nature, showing her their gratitude by offering a grand feast and praying for prosperity.
Key Features of Sangla Holi
As we discussed above, the Holi in Sangla Valley has its own approach for celebration. It begins by embracing the arrival of Spring and the festival, celebrates Holi in its fullness, and ends with prayers and grand feasts. But, how the locals celebrate Holi, what things they do that make Sangla Holi so special and one of a kind for any first time traveller. Here’s how:
- Sangla Holi blends culture, tradition, and legends in itself.
- Holi is a part of the Holi Festival that celebrates the arrival of Spring, symbolizing new birth and warmth.
- During the festival, the villagers embrace their traditional attire. The women wear Pattu or Patto, Boomini, and a long, colorful, warm coat, Dohru. And, men wear traditional Kinnauri Caps.
- The Holi festival incorporates the mythological procession that begins from the Nag Temple. Men wear traditional attire from the characters of the legend of Parhalad, showcasing significant parts of the epic.
- You can see the villagers performing a distinct kind of dance, wearing masks and grass-like dress. It is called the famous Phagli traditional dance that the locals perform every year during this festival.
- The villagers immerse themselves in spiritual and traditional worship practices. It includes the worship of Lord Bering Nag, which is believed to be an ancestral deity and a snake form of Lord Shiva.
How to Reach Sangla Village
The Sangle Village is nestled in the Baspa Valley or Sangla Valley. This village is situated in the Kinnaur district, which is known for tourism and travel. Due to the scenic vistas of majestic mountains, snow-capped peaks, and lush meadows, the landscape offers picturesque views and a retreat from the city hustle.
Therefore, to reach this place is convenient and easy. You can travel to celebrate Holi in Sangla Valley by three main modes of transport. Here is a breakdown:
- By Road: If you are travelling from Delhi, you can reach Shimla by bus or private car. From Shimla, take another bus that usually covers Kufri, Narkanda, Rampur, and Karcham, then reach Sangla.
- By Railways: The nearest station to Sangla Village is Kalka Railway Station. From Delhi, reach Kalka and take a bus from Kalka Bypass to Rampur 93; from there, you can hire a taxi to Sangla.
- By Air: The nearest airports to reach Sangla Village include Shimla Airport and Kullu Airport. From there, you can find a bus or hire a taxi to reach the village.
Key Things to Keep in Mind for First-Time Travelers
Here are some of the necessary things you need to keep in mind before you travel to the Sangla Holi festival:
- Pack your winter essentials such as warm inners, jacket, gloves, and woolen socks.
- Whatever you pack, consider that they are old clothes if you want to play Sangla Holi.
- When you play Holi in Sangla, choose organic products like the villagers to protect skin and the environment.
- You cannot forget to apply oil and sunscreen.
- The Sangla Village is located at an elevation of around 2,621 meters or 8,600 feet. Thus, drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid high-altitude dehydration.
- Consider wearing mountain shoes to ensure better grip in the slippery areas.
Nearby Places to Visit After the Sangla Holi Celebration
While the Sangla Holi festival is itself a major attraction to experience in Sangla Village, there are other tourism-friendly destinations you can visit. Here they are:
1. Chitkul and Kalpa
Chitkul is the last village on the route of the Indo-Tibetan trade. With a breathtaking landscape, apple orchards, and the scenic views of the Baspa River, this place is a haven for nature travelers.
2. Kalpa Village
Kalpa is another significant village of Kinnaur district offering majestic views of Kinnaur Kailash. The village is also a tourism-active destination with the tranquility of the River Sutlej.
3. Rakchham Village
When you head to Chitkul, do not forget to visit this village. This place is an offbeat gem of the Kinnaur district, ideal for nature walks and a peaceful landscape.
4. Kamru Fort
The Kamru Fort is located at a distance of 2 km from Sangla, offering unique views of the village and the surrounding landscape. This fort was built in the 15th century and features a temple for the Goddess Kamakhya.
5. Sangla Meadows
Perfect for peaceful nature walks and trekking, this region offers the serene beauty of nature.
Wrapping Up
The Sangla Holi offers a unique way to celebrate Holi by blending two distinctive cultures. Away from the crowded celebration, Holi in Sangla Valley allows travellers to connect with nature and authentic Himachal culture, making Holi an entirely new experience. Therefore, we walked through the essence of Holi in Sangla Valley, why it is special, how to reach Sangla, if you plan your next Holi there, and tips to keep in mind before you plan the Sangla Holi tour.
Also Read – A Complete Guide to Lake Mansarovar: The Holy Lake of Kailash
