Sirmour is the southernmost district of the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh and is often referred to as the peach bowl of India. In contrast to most places in Himachal Pradesh, Sirmour is a fairly low-lying area with an average elevation of around 900 meters above sea level.
Sirmour is located among the lower ranges of the Shivalik Hills and was founded in 1090 by Raja Rasloo of Jaisalmer. It was also a princely state during the British rule in the country. Due to its easy accessibility and pleasant climate throughout the year, it is a preferred tourist destination and receives a large number of tourists throughout the year.
Known for their cheerfulness and excellent hospitality, the people of Sirmour celebrate a number of festivals and fairs. Since time immemorial, the men and women of the hills have known how to display traits of fervor and devotion. Such traits have also been an integral part of religious cults and celebrations and thus make it difficult to distinguish between piety and joy.
Let’s take a look at the fairs and festivals that take place in Sirmour:
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Byas Fair: In the Hindu month of Chaitra, 5 days before Holi, the vibrant festival celebrated across the country, Sirmour holds the Byas Fair in honor of the renowned Sage Byas. Byas rishi is widely believed to practice penance and meditation at this site. People from all corners of the country gather during the time and bring consecrated offerings to Lord Shiva and Rishi Byas.
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Gandhi Fair: Every year on the eve of January 30, the Gandhi Fair is held in Amboa, Sirmour, where hundreds of people from the nearby regions gather and celebrate the festival in honor of Mahatma Gandhi.
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Nag Naona Fair: Nag Naona is an old flood damaged village in Paonta Sahib, Sirmour, which holds the Nag Naona Fair every year during Dussehra time. Held at the Naona Temple, Hindolas (Carousel) and confectionery shops are the main attractions for villagers with village sweets, utensils, toys and pottery being sold around.
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Vishu: Celebrated on the last day of the month of Chaitra and the first day of Vaisakha, which generally falls on April 18 and 19, the festival of Vishu bears many similarities to the festival of Baisakhi, which is widely celebrated in India. There is a regular string of festivals during this period in several of the nearby towns, with archery being the highlight.
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Haryali – As the name suggests, Haryali is the leafy festival which is mainly celebrated at the start of the monsoons i.e. mid-July. Not just in Sirmour, the festival is celebrated across the state and is known by different names in different regions. As on the day of the celebration, the local deity is brought out in a palanquin while Haryali songs are sung throughout the village.
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Maghi: The festival is celebrated with great fervor throughout the state of Himachal Pradesh, and Sirmour is no exception. Starting on the 28th of Pause, the celebrations last quite long and coincide with the Lohri Festival. The Maghi Festival in Sirmour is a colorful welcome to the fertile season of spring.