 Tamil Nadu

1.The Western Ghats:

The Western Ghats is a mountain range that
covers an area of 160,000 sq. km in a stretch of
1,600 km parallel to the western coast of the Indian
peninsula, traversing the states of Kerala, Tamil
Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. It
comprises a total of 39 properties including national
parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserve forests– 20
in the state of Kerala, 10 in Karnataka, 5 in Tamil
Nadu, and 4 in Maharashtra.
Older than the Himalayas, the mountain chain
of the Western Ghats influences Indian monsoon
weather patterns by intercepting the rain-laden
monsoon winds that sweep in from the southwest
during late summer. Besides, it is one of the ten
hottest biodiversity hotspots in the world. The
decision will ensure the mountain range gets
international support for the conservation of
biological diversity, besides containing areas of high
geological, cultural, and aesthetic values.
Reference link: Western Ghats - Wikipedia
2. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway:
A vintage-themed train meandering up a track,
gifting stunning views of hills and valleys; with you
sitting back, relaxing and pondering about the
majesty of Nature. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway
offers the travellers truly a once-in-a-lifetime
experience. The Nilgiri Mountain Range is one of the
most picturesque spots in the world. Covered in lush
greenery, with majestic mountains forming a
stunning backdrop, the locale offers sights that will
blow your mind away.
Nicknamed the ‘Toy Train’ as it excites kids
more than anybody else, the railway line is a metre
gauge that is 1000 mm long. The train slowly
ascends the hills, letting you soak in the beauty of
the surroundings; passing through tunnels, sharp
edges and forested tunnels.
Imagine having a train ride through a region where
one enjoys the glimpses of Nature at its best. That
is what the Nilgiri Mountain Railway promises you.
Reference link: Nilgiri Mountain Railway -
Wikipedia
3.Great Living Chola Temples:
The Great Living Chola Temples were built by
kings of the Chola Empire, which stretched over all
of south India and the neighbouring islands. The site
includes three great 11th- and 12th-century
Temples: the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the
Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram
and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. These
three temple complexes form a unique group,
demonstrating a progressive development of high
Chola architecture and art at its best and at the
same time encapsulating a very distinctive period of
Chola history and Tamil culture.
The three properties are considered to pass the
test of authenticity in relation to their conception,
material and execution. The temples are still being
used, and they have great archaeological and
historical value. The temple complexes used to be
part of major royal towns, but have remained as the
outstanding features in today's mainly rural context.
The traditional use of the temple for worship and
ritual contribute to the authenticity.
Reference link: Great Living Chola Temples -
Wikipedia
4. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram:
Mahabalipuram is pre-eminently testimony to the
Pallavas civilization of south-east India.The
sanctuary, known especially for its rathas (temples
in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave
sanctuaries), and giant open-air reliefs, is one of the
major centres of the cult of Siva. The influence of
the sculptures of Mahabalipuram, characterized by
the softness and supple mass of their modelling,
spread widely
The temple contains an identical, 16-line
Sanskrit inscription in two scripts: the South Indian
Grantha alphabet on the south wall and the North
Indian Nāgarī script on the north wall. The
inscriptions contain a dedication to Shiva, Parvati
and Skanda, and the temple and reliefs have been
dated to the early 8th century.
 Reference link: Group of Monuments at
Mahabalipuram - Wikipedia

5.Gingee Fort
Perched atop the rolling hills of Tamil Nadu, the magnificent Gingee Fort
beckons a tale of ancient grandeur and architectural brilliance woven
into stone. This historic monument, a bastion of bravery and chivalry,
offers a glimpse into a world of valour and architectural excellence, a
journey through time to a bygone era.The fort has weathered the storms
of time, standing tall through centuries of battles and strife. Its walls rise
like sentinels, reaching towards the heavens, a testament to the
ingenuity of its builders. Strategically situated on three hills, the fort was
once considered impregnable, a prize coveted by many a ruler, from the
Cholas to the Marathas, from the Mughals to the British.
As one steps within the walls of this grand fortress, the past comes
alive. The remains of palaces and temples dedicated to Hindu gods and
goddesses attest to the rich cultural heritage of the region. The beauty of
the Gingee Fort extends beyond its walls, offering panoramic views of the
lush greenery and rolling hills of Villupuram. It is a place where time
stands still and the beauty of the past blends seamlessly with the
majesty of the present.
Reference Link: Gingee Fort - Wikipedia
 Goa
1)Western ghats:
More than 40 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks
established all along the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, Goa,
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala for the preservation of
flora and fauna have been declared as World Heritage Sites
by UNESCO, subsequently making the entire mountain range
a UNESCO Heritage Site. The splendid assemblage of large
mammals in the Western Ghats includes fabulous and
magnificent creatures like the Asian Elephant, lion-tailed
macaque, sambhar, Nilgiri tahr, Gaur, sloth bear, and tiger.
The rolling hills of Western Ghats host almost 30 percent
of the world’s total population of Asian Elephants and
approximately 17 percent of that of Tigers – one of the most
marvelous big cats. The region is home to over one third of
all plants, mammals, fish, birds, and herpetofauna
(amphibians and reptiles) species found in India .

Reference link: Western Ghats - Wikipedia

2)Churches and Convents of Goa:
The churches and convents of Goa, the former
capital of the Portuguese Indies – particularly the
Church of Bom Jesus, which contains the tomb of St
Francis-Xavier – illustrate the evangelization of Asia.
These monuments were influential in spreading forms
of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art in all the
countries of Asia where missions were established.
These monuments of Goa exerted great
influence in the 16th-18th centuries on the
development of architecture, sculpture, and painting
by spreading forms of Manueline, Mannerist and
Baroque art throughout the countries of Asia where
Catholic missions were established. In so doing they
illustrate the work of missionaries in Asia. The
churches in Old Goa aimed to awe the local
population into conversion and to impress upon them
the superiority of the foreign religion. The facades
were accordingly made tall and lofty and the interiors
were magnificent, with twisted Bernini columns,
decorated pediments, profusely carved and gilded
altars, and colourful wall paintings and frescoes.
Reference Link: Churches and convents of Goa -
Wikipedia
3)Corjuem Fort:
Corjuem Fort, also known as Khorjuem Fort, was
built in the early 18th century by the Portuguese.
Goa’s charm goes much beyond its beaches and
parties. If you wish to get some insights into the
history and architecture of the smallest state in India,
venture into its colonial past and explore a few
heritage sights. Corjuem Fort is one such attraction
that will give you a different flavor of Goa. According
to legends, this ancient fort belonged to the Bhonsle
clan that ruled the Kingdom of Sawantwadi (which is
now a municipality in the Indian state of
Maharashtra). However, the Maratha clan lost this
fort to the Portuguese Administration of Goa when
Viceroy Caetano de Mello e Castro annexed it under
his rule in 1705.
In the beginning of the 19th century, Corjuem
Fort functioned as a military school. During that time,
the fort defended the town of Corjuem with just 4
guns and a small battalion. One of the interesting
aspects of Corjuem Fort's history is its connection to
the local population and its role in the broader
network of Portuguese defenses in Goa.
Reference Link: Corjuem Fort - Wikipedia
4)Basilica of Bom Jesus:
The Basilica of Bom Jesus Church located in Goa is
one of a kind in India and is known for its exemplary
baroque architecture. Built in 1594 and consecrated
in 1605, the building of this church coincides with the
beginning of Christianity in India. The church is
located in Old Goa in Bainguinim about 10 km away
from Panjim. The oldest church in Goa, it holds the
remains of St. Francis Xavier, a special friend of St.
Ignatius Loyola with whom he founded the Society of
Jesus (Jesuits). Even after 400 years, the remains are
in good condition and are taken out once every
decade.
A site with rich cultural and religious
significance, the Basilica of Bom Jesus has been
declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Literally
translating to 'Holy Jesus', this is the only church in
Old Goa that is not been plastered on the outside.
The facade of the church has triangular roofing which
is delicately carved with the initials 'IHS', which is an
abbreviation for Jesuit emblem meaning 'Jesus,
Saviour of Men'. Inside, the floor of the Basilica is
made of marble mosaic with precious stones, giving
it a solemn appearance. The interior is embellished
with a screen that runs from the floor to the ceiling
and has the image of St. Ignatius Loyola protecting
an infant Jesus. Above all is the image of the Holy
Trinity, which is the most sacred symbol in
Christianity. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is over 408
years old and is open to the public every day.
Reference Link: Basilica of Bom Jesus - Wikipedia
5) Church of Our Lady of Rosary:
Standing atop the Monte Santo (Holy Hill) and
keeping a benevolent watch over Old Goa, is the
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. Beautiful in its
austereness and simplicity this church is one of the
only buildings in Goa that attests to the introduction
of Renaissance architecture, brought to Goa by the
Portuguese. It is perhaps the most Portuguese of all
the Goan churches as it was not influenced by the
Goan architectural solutions, which though they have
their roots in the Portuguese tradition, have their own
unique standing. Additionally, the building remains
largely unchanged.
The architecture of this church presents
features of the classic Gothic style along with
Portuguese-Manueline style while the Renaissance
influence is reflected in the interior vaults and
decoration of the retables. The three-storied tower
façade of this church is outstanding. There are
buttresses built on the front corners of the church,
thus giving it the look of a fortress, an air which is
only enhanced by its high windows. There are two
towers on the corners of the nave. The south tower
contains a winding staircase that gives access to the
“high choir” on the upper floor of this tower. The
North tower contains within it a baptismal chapel on
the lower level. The upper level is distinguished by
slender columns and has round arched windows in
which bells are hung.
Reference Link: Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
(Goa) - Wikipedia
 Himachal Pradesh
1.Great Himalayan National Park:
Great Himalayan National Park was constituted
in 1984 and was formally notified as a national park
in 1999. It is located in Banjaar Sub-Division of Kullu
District of Himachal Pradesh, India, in the far
Western Himalayas. GHNP is one of the most recent
additions to a huge network of wildlife reserves
found in Himalayan region in India and adjoining
countries.
GHNP was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site
status in 2014, in recognition of its outstanding
significance for biodiversity conservation. The park
protects over 1,000 plant species, including many
medicinal herbs, 31 mammal species and 209 bird
species, as well as amphibians, reptiles and insects.
Four of GHNP’s mammal species and three of its bird
species are globally threatened, including the musk
deer and the western horned tragopan. Great
Himalayan National Park is spread across four
valleys, each of which offers wide variety of endemic
and exotic flora and fauna. Himalaya is known to be
a home to 10% of world’s and 50% of India’s
endemic plant species. Travellers can embark on
various treks in the region that are suitable for
amateurs as well as experts.
Reference Link: Great Himalayan National Park -
Wikipedia
2.Kangra Fort:
Kangra takes pride in being home to the
Katoch dynasty as one of the oldest surviving royal
dynasties in the world. Spread out over the western
region of the state, Kangra is by far the largest
region of Himachal Pradesh. In the shadow of the
majestic Dhauladhar ranges, the valley is also one of
the most diverse and picturesque one. The people
are gentle, hardworking and very hospitable.
Situated on the outskirts of the town of Kangra,
in the state of Himachal Pradesh, the Kangra Fort is
witness to thousands of years of grandeur, invasion,
war, wealth and evolution. This mighty fort traces its
origins to the ancient Trigarta Kingdom, which is
mentioned in the Mahabharata epic. It is the largest
fort in the Himalayas and probably the oldest dated
fort in India. Occupying the lower valley of the Beas
and its tributaries, it was one of the leading hill
stations of Punjab and Himachal earlier. The Kangra
fort in itself is a symbol of elegance and royalty.
Reference Link: Kangra Fort - Wikipedia
3.Hidimba Temple:
Located amidst the snow-covered hills of Manali,
the Hadimba Temple is a unique shrine dedicated to
Hidimba Devi, who was the wife of Bhima and mother of
Ghatothkach. Surrounded by gorgeous cedar forests,
this beautiful shrine is built on a rock which is believed
to be in the image of goddess Hidimba herself. Locally
known as Dhungari Temple, the construction style of the
Hidimba Devi temple is entirely different from that of
any of the other temples, with its wooden doorways,
walls, and cone-shaped roof. This temple is a fitting
dedication to its presiding deity Hadimba.
The Hidimba Devi Temple is constructed in the
Kathkuni style, which is prevalent in the hilly
regions.This temple is bedecked during the Navratri
festival and is the centre of elaborate festivities. It is
interesting to note that during the Navratri festivities,
people in Manali offer their prayers to the Hidimba Devi.
The Hidimba Devi Temple is one of the most visited
destinations for tourists and travellers visiting Manali.
Interestingly, located close to the Hidimba Devi Temple
is the Ghatotkacha Temple, which is dedicated to her
son.
Reference link: Hidimba Devi Temple - Wikipedia
4.Key Monastery:
Key Monastery or Kee (Ki) Gompa is one of
the major attractions of Spiti Valley. Located atop a
hillock, the gompa looks majestic. The Key
Monastery is a famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery
in the Lahaul and Spiti District of India. Located at
an altitude of 4,166 metres above sea level, the
monastery is very close to the Spiti River in the Spiti
Valley of Himachal Pradesh in India. Also known as
the Kye Monastery and Ki Monastery, it is believed
to have been founded by
Dromton, who was a student of the famous
teacher Atisha in the 11th century. It enshrines
Buddha idols in the Dhyana position and has a
collection of ancient books and murals.
The stunning Key Monastery is over a thousand
years old and is also the largest monastery to be
found in the entire Spiti Valley. The magnificent
monastery doubles up as a religious training centre
for the Lamas, and about 300 lamas receive their
education from here. It has a long and fascinating
history attached to it: a long history that involves
numerous attacks that the place had to face.
Nevertheless, Kye Monastery survived and
celebrated the completion of its thousand years in
the year 2000 in the presence of the Dalai Lama.
Reference Link: Key Monastery - Wikipedia
5.Kalka Shimla Toy Train:
The Kalka to Shimla route is best travelled by
way of the toy train that runs on a narrow-gauge
track and is known for its dramatic views of the hills
and surrounding villages. The historic Kalka Shimla
Toy train is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List
and takes individuals on a ride amongst vast green
hills and deodar and pine forests. Kalka Shimla Toy
Train is one of the best modes of transport to
explore the rich colonial history of the hill station
along with an array of fine-dining restaurants, bars
and shops lined up at the edge of the Mall
Road and the Ridge. A must-try ride for
holidaymakers of all ages, the Kalka Shimla Toy Train
passes through more than 100 tunnels and 800
bridges to cover some 60 miles. Built in 1903, this
UNESCO World Heritage Site takes you back in time
with a display of awe-inspiring landscapes.
 The scenery you get to see throughout the
journey is simply breathtaking! And the best part is
that the train makes you forget everything about the
destination, thus giving you a lifetime opportunity to
travel with a different feeling. The most refreshing
part of the journey is the experience of overlooking
the mesmerizing sights, breathing in the fresh air,
basking in the pleasant atmosphere, admiring the
lush greenery, dancing to the tunes of birds chirping
and grazing around the track.
Reference link: Kalka–Shimla Railway - Wikipedia
TRADITIONS:
 Tamil Nadu:
1.Pongal: Celebrating Harvest and Abundance
Pongal is one of the most popular harvest festivals
of South India, mainly of Tamil Nadu. Pongal falls in
the mid-January every year and marks the
auspicious beginning of Uttarayan - sun's journey
northwards. Pongal festival lasts for four days. This
four days long festival of Tamil Nadu is celebrated
for showing gratitude to nature. The literal meaning
of Pongal is "spilling over" and it had been named
so, because of the tradition of boiling rice in a pot
until it starts overflowing. Other traditions of the
celebration include drawing of Kolam, swinging &
cooking of delicious Pongal.
The principal theme of Pongal is thanking the sun
god Surya, the forces of nature, and the farm
animals and people who support agriculture.
Reference links: Pongal (festival) - Wikipedia
2.Bharatanatyam: The Elegance of Classical
Dance
Bharatanatyam, a pre-eminent Indian classical dance
form presumably the oldest classical dance heritage
of India is regarded as mother of many other Indian
classical dance forms. Conventionally a solo dance
performed only by women, it initiated in the Hindu
temples of Tamil Nadu and eventually flourished in
South India. Theoretical base of this form traces back
to ‘Natya Shastra’, the ancient Sanskrit Hindu text on
the performing arts. A form of illustrative anecdote of
Hindu religious themes and spiritual ideas emoted by
dancer with excellent footwork and impressive
gestures its performance repertoire includes nrita,
nritya and natya. Accompanists include a singer,
music and particularly the guru who directs and
conducts the performance. It also continues to inspire
several art forms including paintings and sculptures
starting from the spectacular 6th to 9th century CE
temple sculptures.
Reference links: Bharatanatyam - Wikipedia
3.Kolam: Welcoming Beauty at the Doorstep:
Each dawn, millions of Tamil women create intricate,
geometric, ritual-art designs called 'kolam,' at the
thresholds of their homes, as a tribute to Mother
Earth and an offering to Goddess Lakshmi. A Tamil
word that means beauty, form, play, disguise or ritual
design-- a kolam is anchored in the Hindu belief that
householders have a karmic obligation to "feed a
thousand souls." By creating the kolam with rice
flour, a woman provides food for birds, rodents, ants
and other tiny life forms -- greeting each day with 'a
ritual of generosity', that blesses both the household,
and the greater community. Kolams are a deliberately
transient form of art. They are created anew each
dawn with a combination of reverence, mathematical
precision, artistic skill and spontaneity. Read on for
one kolam practitioner's deeply personal exploration
of this multidimensional practice. They are meant to
be drawn at two crucial times of transition – at the
break of dawn, welcoming the sunrise; and at the
gloaming of dusk, fare-welling the setting sun.
Reference links: Kolam - Wikipedia
4. Chittirai Puthandu: Tamil New Year:
Puthandu, also known as Puthuvarudam, marks
the Tamil New Year and it is the first day of the Tamil
calendar or the first day of the Chithirai month that is
celebrated as Puthandu by the people of Tamil Nadu.
Celebrated as the Tamil New Year, the day holds a lot
of importance and significance and in some parts of
Tamil Nadu, a special dish called 'Mangai Pachadi' is
prepared on Puthandu.
This dish is a mixture of different tastes,
including sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy, symbolising
the different emotions that one experiences in life
and it is believed that eating this dish on Puthandu
brings balance and harmony in life. Puthandu is an
important festival for Tamils around the world,
celebrating the start of a new year and looking
forward to new beginnings with hope and optimism.
Reference links: Puthandu - Wikipedia
5.Jallikattu: The Ancient Bull-Taming Tradition:
 Jallikattu, also known as eruthazhuvuthal, is a bull
taming sport in which contestants attempt to tame a
bull for a prize, if they fail, the bull owner wins the
prize. The term "Jallikattu" combines the words "Calli"
(coins) and "Kattu" (tie), representing the practice of
attaching a bundle of coins to the bull's horns.
It is celebrated in the second week of January at
the time of the Pongal (harvest) festival, and also
represents a celebration of nature, and thanksgiving
for a bountiful harvest, of which cattle-worship is a
part. It is revered across Madurai, Tiruchirappalli,
Theni, Pudukkottai and Dindigul districts of Tamil
Nadu, known as the Jallikattu belt.
Reference links: Jallikattu - Wikipedia
 GOA:
1.Dekhni Dance:
Dekhni dance is one of the oldest dance forms of
Goa. In Konkani it means beauty. This dance is a
mixture of Indian and western music. Dekhni dance
can be associated with those people who converted
into Christianity from Hinduism during Portuguese
rule. This dance form can be witnessed anywhere in
Goa.
It is a dance combined with graceful movements
and peaceful remedies. The dance starts with one
lady starting the dance and others joining in as the
dance continues. Dekhni Dance is performed by a
group of girls caring earthen oil lamps in their hands.
Some gestures of Dekni have been taken by
Bharatnatyam and Kathak. This is why it is also called
a semi-classical folk dance.
Reference links: Deknni - Wikipedia
2. Shimgo Festival:
The Shigmo festival that takes place in the
Konkani diaspora of Goa, during the spring season, is
a beautiful and auspicious festival of Hindus that
celebrates the vibrancy of colours. The festival spans
five days. In other regions of the country, Hindus,
more commonly, celebrate Holi, which is a part of it.
The Hindu community marks the festival by building
and painting elaborate mural and idols depicting
scenes and tales from Hindu Mythology. Dressed in
flashy and colourful traditional costumes, the local
folk groups give spectacular beautiful dance
performances. The float parade is the highlight of the
festival. There is festive energy surrounding the
Konkani diaspora during this festival as it envelopes
the whole place with its celebration of colours.
Reference links: Shigmo - Wikipedia
3. Goff Dance:
Goff dance will come as a pleasant surprise to
you. Agriculture is one of the most significant
occupations that is practiced throughout the country
and the state of Goa is not an exception to this. This
Goan dance is a way for the hard–working farmers
and laborers to celebrate their efforts. You can
understand the Goff dance form to be a celebration
of a bountiful harvest that is celebrated by the
farmers. A combination of colorful attires, a plethora
of people, happiness, peppy music, and laughter,
watching a Goff dance performance reflects the
excitement of the people after a season of a good
harvest. Goff dance is an exotic confluence of
vibrant cultural strands. The weaving of the plait –
Goff – represents the quiet however conscious
assimilation of the impressions left behind by several
dynasties, which dominated Goa all through the
previous centuries.
Reference links: https://www.bing.com/search?
q=goff+dance&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-
 1&ghc=2&lq=0&pq=goff+dance&sc=11-
10&sk=&cvid=E3C3ACF137954B158F9BADE89A8B3
7DA&ghsh=0&ghacc=0&ghpl=

4. Pano Bhaju:
The Pano Bhaju is a garment that was worn by
ladies to dance the Mando (traditional dance). I had
not seen the garment until Mario mentioned the
ensemble, because this garment was worn by high-
class Christian Goans in the Margao area. Not North
Goa where we grew up and now live. The origins of
 the garment are unusual with many influences. I
researched the garment and spoke about it last year
at The Goa Lit Fest 2017.

5. Mando:
Mando is a musical form that evolved during the
19th and 20th centuries among the Goan Catholics. It
represents a meeting point of local Goan (Goa was
part of Portugal at the time) and western musical
traditions. The music has elements of both traditional
Goan and western culture. The males wear formal
coats while females wear Western dress.
The dress worn during the mando dance was of
velvet or silk, red, blue or green in colour,
embroidered with gold (rarely with silver) threads. A
white or blue shawl was worn. The socks had to be
white and the slippers ornamented. This was all
graced with a fan, which enhanced the lady's mood
with a secret charm during the dance.
Nowadays, Mandos are highlighted with their dance
respective of their song.
Reference links: Mando (music) - Wikipedia
 Himachal Pradesh:
1.Kullu Dussehra:
 A week long carnival that celebrates the death of
the demon Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama in the
Hindu epic Ramayana, the Kullu Dussehra marks an
important occasion in the lives of the people here.
With more than 4 lakh people flocking to the
spectacular abode of Kullu in Himachal Pradesh to
celebrate this iconic festival that celebrates the
victory of good over evil, the Kullu Dussehra is also
known as the International Mega Dussehra.
The last day of the festival is marked by
sacrificing a fish, crab, rooster, buffalo and lamb,
following which, a huge bonfire is lit. The celebrations
are concluded with a bonfire that signifies the
burning of Lanka, and the idol of Lord Raghunath is
brought back to its original position through a grand
procession.
Reference links: Kullu Dussehra - Wikipedia
2. Mandi Shivratri:
Mandi Shivaratri Fair is an annual renowned
international fair that is held for 7 days starting with
the Hindu festival of Shivaratri, in the Mandi town of
the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The Mandi
Shivaratri fair is held as per Hindu calendar every
year on the Krishna paksha 13th day/13th night
(breaking fast/'vrata' on 14th after sunrise) of the
waning moon in the month of Phalguna that
corresponds to February/March as per Gregorian
calendar.The festival’s popularity is widespread and
hence is known as an international festival. In view of
the large number of gods and goddesses that are
invited to the festival from its 81 temples, Mandi
town has the title of 'Varanasi of the Hills'.
The Mandi festival or fair is particularly famous
as the special fair transforms Mandi town into a
venue of grand celebration when all gods and
goddesses, said to be more than 200 deities of the
Mandi district assemble here, starting with the day of
Shivaratri.
 Reference links: Mandi Shivaratri Fair - Wikipedia

3. Himachali (Topi) cap:

The Himachali topi is worn at weddings, festivals, religious
rituals, fairs, and other community gatherings, similar to how
the turban is used in other areas of India. Historically, these
vibrant caps, used to stave off the frigid winds, have evolved
into a symbol of the state’s cultural survival.
There is no greater souvenir or gift than a Himachali cap
that symbolizes the state. Though the state is also known for
other handicrafts, such as the magnificent Kullu shawls,
nothing beats the charm of this traditional cap. Today, the hill
cap has become identified with the people of Himachal
Pradesh. When any auspicious ceremony (marriage or other
celebrations) takes place in Himachal, a Himachali cap is
regarded as an essential gesture.
Reference links: Himachali cap - Wikipedia
4. Dangi Dance:
Dangi dance is a very popular folk dance of Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh is filled with beautiful sceneries and culture
and folk dances are one of them. Dangi dance is mainly
associated with the Chamba area of Himachal Pradesh. Dangi
folk dance is based on one of the oldest folklore of Himachal
Pradesh. The dance is performed during the harvest season. It
has two themes one is love and another is business. The love-
based theme folklore is about a very brave and handsome kind
who fell in love with a common girl. It was not common for
kings to fall in love with commoners so it was a big deal. Due to
its beautiful choreography and loving characteristics ‘dangi’
dance is also performed during festivals, weddings and Jatara.
The joyous occasion requires a joyous dance and dangi dance
fulfills this category very well.
Reference links: Dangi Dance of Himachal Pradesh
 (auchitya.com)

5. Nati dance:
Himachal Pradesh has retained its rich traditional
culture in spite of the growing modernization. The
mountains and valleys of this region are reflected in
its dance forms. Nati dance is the most famous folk
dance of this state. It is performed by a group of
people with accompanying musicians. The dance
group comprises both men and women, headed
usually by a man carrying a fly whisk. The dress of
the dance group reflects the gaddi or the Himachali
nomads. Men wear a wollen robe with yards of
sashes tied on the lower back. They also wear a
symbolic Himachali topi or hat with flowers fixed on
the topmost part of it. Women, on the other hand,
wear churidars, chola, ornaments and cover their
head with colourful scarves. Musicians are known as
Tunis and the instruments used during the
performances are flute, dhol, nagara, narsingha,
karnal, and a shenai. A yagya is performed by the
dancers at the end of a Nati performance as a
homage to the Gods and Goddesses.
Reference links: Nati (dance) - Wikipedia