Sangla Holi Trip

The Mythology: Why Sangla Holi Trip

is Unique

Holi in Kinnaur is deeply intertwined with the Faguli Festival, which dates back over 800 years. Unlike the plains, where the focus is on the Holika Dahan, in Sangla, the festival marks the end of the “dark days” of winter and the awakening of the local deities.

The celebration centers around the Bering Nag Temple. Legend has it that during these days, the local gods (Devtas) communicate with the villagers through oracles. The most fascinating part is the Reenactment of the Ramayana. You will see villagers dressed as characters from the epic, performing street plays that have been passed down through oral traditions for centuries.

The Four Days of Faguli: A Step-by-Step Experience

To help you plan, here is what the atmosphere feels like during the peak of the festival:

Day 1 & 2: The Spiritual Awakening (Totu & Prayers)

The festival begins with the preparation of Totu—a sacred mixture of roasted barley flour and buttermilk. This is offered to the gods in the local temples. On these days, you will hear the hauntingly beautiful sounds of the Karnal (long brass trumpets) and Dhol echoing through the valley. This is the best time for photography, as the villagers gather in their finest traditional attire.

Day 3: The Main Holi (Colors, Snow, and Spirits)

This is the day WdrLust travelers look forward to the most. The entire village of Sangla transforms into a canvas of pink and green Gulaal.

• The Snow Factor: Since March is early spring, it is common to play Holi with a mix of colors and fresh snow.
• The Procession: A massive procession leads from the temple through the narrow lanes of Sangla.
• Traditional Brews: You will see locals sharing Phasur or Angoori (locally brewed grape/fruit wine). It is a symbol of community bonding, and as a guest, you might be invited to join the circle.

Day 4: The Faag Mela

On the final day, the “Devta” (the idol of the god) is brought out of the temple on a palanquin. The villagers perform the Phagli Dance, a rhythmic, slow-moving folk dance where men wear masks and traditional grass-like dresses. It represents the harmony between humans and the spirits of the mountains.

Beyond the Festival: Exploring the Kinnaur Circuit

A trip to Sangla is incomplete without exploring the surrounding “cliffhanger” landscapes. Our itinerary ensures you see the best of the Hindustan-Tibet Highway.

1. Chitkul: The Last Indian Village

Located at the end of the road, Chitkul is situated at 11,320 feet. It is famous for its “last dhaba” and the pristine Baspa River. In March, Chitkul is often draped in a thick blanket of snow, making your Holi photos look like they were taken in the Swiss Alps.

2. Kalpa and the Kinner Kailash Views

Kalpa offers the most dramatic views of the Kinner Kailash range. The 79-foot vertical rock (Shivling) is said to change colors throughout the day. Watching the sunrise hit the peaks while the temple bells of the Narayan-Nagini Temple ring is a spiritual experience in itself.

3. Sarahan: The Gateway to Kinnaur

On our way, we stop at Sarahan to visit the Bhimakali Temple. This 800-year-old architectural marvel is built in the Kath-Khuni style (interlocking wood and stone). It survived the 1905 earthquake and remains one of the most sacred Shakti Peethas in India.

Taste of Kinnaur: Traditional Food to Try

During the Holi festivities, your palate is in for a treat. At WdrLust, we encourage our travelers to try:

• Sidu: A steamed bread stuffed with walnuts or poppy seeds, served with a dollop of ghee.
• Chilta: Buckwheat pancakes that are a staple in the high altitudes.
• Kinnauri Rajma: Grown locally, these red beans have a unique sweetness you won’t find in the cities.

Best Time to Visit Sangla Holi

March: The Holi festival usually falls in March, when Sangla Holi Trip begins to thaw from winter, offering a perfect blend of crisp mountain air and colorful festivities.

You can Also checkout our trip During Holi

Winter Spiti Road Trip From Delhi