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Why to visit Khogla, the festival of lights
India has a saga of festivals, each of which is unique. During this time of year, Lahaul celebrates one such extraordinary festival. Lahaul's traditional Halda festival is a month-long festival celebrated by the people of Gahar, Chandra, and Pattan valleys, similar to Diwali.
It is known as the Lahaul variant of Diwali. It's popularly known as Khogla in Pattan and Halda in the remaining valleys of Lahaul; this festival of light is celebrated in the second and third week of January.
The main attraction of the Khol or Halda festival could be seen in Madgram village in Lahaul's Triloknath belt.
What is special about this festival?
- A traditional torch called Halda is made for the occasion by cutting the pencil cedar branches into fine strips; later tied together to form the torch.
- These Haldas also hold a close resemblance to the Hola’s made in upper Shimla regions.
- Each household lights their respective Halda in the evening and the entire neighbourhood then brings it together at a pre-decided centre place.
- Each time paying homage to a separate deity of the region, the process is repeated from four to five times.
- As others pay respect to their deity, natives in the Gahar valley also curse the Ranas of other hostile clans during the process while honouring their own deities.
How to reach Lahaul valley?
The district is linked to the rest of Himachal Pradesh by two roads. One route runs from Shimla to Kaza in Spiti Valley via Reckong Peo (412 km, 20 hours), while the other runs from Shimla to Keylong in Lahaul. (375 km, 18 hours).
Manali also has access to Lahaul and Spiti Valley via the Rohtang and Kunzum passes. However, due to heavy snowfall, this road is closed for the majority of the year (9 months).
