Himachal in fact can be termed as a mini India. Here people of different racial stocks have come together and mingled in the main stream of national life, to make this land a composite of different cultures. Festivals enliven social life and unite the people by bringing them together in joyful celebration of significant events and in shared remembrance of a common past. All the fairs and festivals celebrated in Himachal Pradesh are the result of cultural values, economic needs and time, which have been realised by the inhabitants from time to time and later given the shape of tradition. The main population in Himachal Pradesh consists of Hindus and the percentage of Hindus in Himachal Pradesh is 98%. That is why festivals and fairs here have direct origin in religion and in the myths and legends of popular faith. On the day of festival, people in Himachal Pradesh generally keep themselves free from routine work. They cook special food, must bath, wear neat and clean clothes and worship at the temple with traditional identity. Songs and dance are common features on such occasion. For them, even a small event is big enough to be celebrated. Some of the important festivals of Himachal Pradesh are given one by one.

Gaddis of Kangra, Chamba, Mandi and Kullu celebrate this festival, when a household individually collects enough money for celebration. Nawala, in fact, is a thanks giving ceremony to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped at the time of misfortune and clamiti. Devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva are sung throughout the night.