Himachal’s culture is truly heartwarming and vibrant.
Each state that makes up our country has inherent traditions that differentiate it from the rest. The same holds for Himachal Pradesh, whose people are often regarded as one of the most warm and inviting. Unsurprisingly, a visit to Manali, one of Himachal Pradesh’s prominent hill towns, will offer you a sneak peek into the rich culture and history of the state. Walk through the streets, and you will be greeted with broad smiles from locals, who welcome you here with open arms.
Similarly, the hospitality in Manali is much talked about, and you can experience it at Bookmark Manali, the best luxury resort in Manali. Speaking of culture, several elements come together to create a narrative. For instance, music and dance. Those in Manali practice folk dances dedicated to their local gods and goddesses. When you chat with the people here, you will find out that most cultural rituals of Himachal Pradesh are performed to invoke the higher spirits and earn their blessings.
Cultural Rituals of Himachal Pradesh
Cultural Music
Music is an integral part of the Himachali culture and uses several instruments, including the flute, gharial and the ghungroo, among others. Interestingly, since several local communities inhabit Manali, each has its own song for every occasion. While many may find it obnoxious, the Jhoori song supports extramarital relationships. There are also Laman songs that will tug at your heartstrings. Since the locals continue to believe in old-school romance, girls sing a part of the song, and boys respond in tune. It’s entirely possible that both of them don’t even see each other’s faces while singing!
Amongst the local songs, Samskara is equally popular and is based on certain ragas of Indian classical music.
Cultural Dance
That’s not all – there are several hotspots in Manali, including the buzzing Mall Road, where dance performances are showcased alongside popular folk tunes. If you can witness it, we promise some forms like Kayang, Bakayang, Bnayangchu, and Chohara will blow you away.
The most popular among these is the Kayang dance, where the performers create a pattern that resembles a garland by entangling each other’s arms to form beads through dance.
The traditional dress for most women performing folk dances is the pattu, worn over their general attire. Spun out of pure wool, pattu is known for its vibrant colours and is only adorned during the winter months. The outfit is often accessorised with striking headgear and handmade footwear. For men, they are mostly seen in a kurta and pyjama, as well as a cap.
Local Handicrafts
Apart from music and dance, handicrafts also occupy a place of prominence in Himachali culture. Some of the most popular items that shoppers vie for are tribal jewellery, intricately woven shawls, leather outfits, and wooden sculptures made from indigenous flora like pine and deodar trees.
A lot of the souvenirs such as delicate jewellery boxes, have wooden engravings that are so fine that you can’t help but admire the exquisite craftsmanship of the artisans. In a heavily commercial world, the handiwork by local artisans is much valued. Plus, remember to return without handmade carpets and rugs embellished with some of the most beautiful designs!
Conclusion
So, wait no more! Pack your suitcases and head to Manali to get a taste of the local traditions and culture that will leave you wanting more. At Bookmark Resort Manali, our ethos aligns with local practices – as the best resort in Manali, we are all about healing on the inside out. This means deep nourishment of the mind, body and spirit. Embark on an invigorating journey with us to experience Manali like never before.
