The Halda Festival is the most significant winter celebration in the Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Often compared to Diwali due to its emphasis on light, this traditional New Year festival is a profound spiritual event for the tribal communities of the Pattan, Gahar, and Chandra valleys.
As we approach this festival in January 2026, travelers planning to witness this spectacle must navigate unique local traditions and recent administrative decisions that prioritize the sanctity of the rituals over tourism.
What is Halda Festival in Himachal Pradesh?
The Halda Festival is one of the most prominent traditional New Year festivals of Lahaul Valley. Dedicated to Goddess Shashikar Apa (the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity), it marks the transition from the old year to the new and signals the impending start of the agricultural season.
Historically, the festival is celebrated to:
- Seek blessings for a prosperous harvest.
- Ward off evil spirits and negative energies.
- Strengthen community bonds through shared rituals.
The timing of the festival is determined by local Lamas and priests based on the Tibetan lunar calendar. When is Halda festival celebrated in 2026? The primary celebrations are scheduled for February 17th to 18th, 2026, though the spiritual lead-up begins much earlier in January.
Rituals of Halda Festival Lahaul
The rituals of the Halda festival are ancient and deeply symbolic. The word “Halda” itself refers to the specialized torches used during the ceremony.
Significance of Cedar Torches in Halda
What is a Halda torch? It is a bundle of pencil cedar (Deodar) twigs, meticulously prepared by the villagers. The significance of cedar torches in Halda rituals cannot be overstated:
- Symbolism: Each family prepares torches – often one for every male member of the household.
- The Procession: On the main night, locals emerge from their homes with these lit torches, chanting and moving toward a central community bonfire.
- The Sacrifice: The torches are thrown into the collective fire, symbolizing the destruction of the previous year’s misfortunes and the “victory of light over darkness.”
Worship of Goddess Shashikar Apa
The central deity worshipped during Halda is Goddess Shashikar Apa. Families offer prayers, local incense, and traditional delicacies to her, asking for health and wealth. The ceremony often concludes with the worship of Deity Nag Raj and King Bali Raja, ensuring protection for the entire valley.
Asur Dance in Khangsar Village 2026 Timings
A highlight of the festivities is the Asur Dance (Demon Dance), typically performed in Khangsar village in the Chandra Valley. According to folklore, this masked dance was created to scare away demons who once harassed the locals. The Asur Dance in Khangsar village 2026 timings usually fall on the final day of the festival, transforming the village into a theater of ancient mythology.
Important: Sissu Tourist Ban January 2026 News
If you are planning to visit, you must be aware of the recent Sissu tourist ban January 2026 news. To maintain “divine silence” and protect local traditions from commercialization, the Sissu Gram Panchayat has announced a total shutdown.
Why is Sissu Closed to Tourists in Jan 2026?
The village of Sissu will be closed to tourists for 40 days, specifically from January 20 to February 28, 2026.
- Reason: The decision (backed by the Raja Ghepan and Devi Bhoti Committees) ensures that the high footfall from the Atal Tunnel does not disrupt the “Dev Restrictions” (sacred silence) required for Halda and Losar.
- What is Banned? All hotels, homestays, and adventure activities (ATV riding, skiing, zip-lining) are suspended. No tourist traffic will be allowed toward the Sissu helipad or the village interior.
Travel Guide: Lahaul Spiti Winter Festivals 2026 Schedule
Planning your trip requires balancing the travel restrictions in Lahaul Spiti for Halda festival with the accessible regions.
| Event | Tentative Dates | Location |
| Puna/Poonha Festival | Mid-January 2026 | Various Villages |
| Halda Main Rituals | Feb 17 – Feb 18, 2026 | Pattan, Gahar, Chandra Valleys |
| Losar (Tibetan New Year) | Late Feb 2026 | Across Lahaul & Spiti |
| Asur Dance | Final Day of Halda | Khangsar Village |
Can I Visit Keylong During Halda Festival 2026?
While Sissu is closed, you may ask: Can I visit Keylong during Halda festival 2026? Yes. Keylong remains open and serves as a better base for those wishing to see the festival rituals in nearby valleys. However, accessibility is strictly dependent on the weather in Sissu and Keylong, which can drop below -20°C.
How to Reach Lahaul for Winter Festivals
- By Road: Access is only possible via the Atal Tunnel from Manali. Be prepared for sudden closures due to avalanches.
- Best Places to See Halda Festival Near Manali: Villages in the Gahar Valley (near Keylong) or the Pattan Valley are the most accessible points for outsiders to observe the torch-lighting ceremonies.
Summing Up
The Halda Festival is more than just a visual delight; it is the heartbeat of Lahaul’s winter survival and spiritual identity. While the 40-day tourist ban in Sissu may disrupt travel plans, it offers a rare glimpse into a culture that chooses to prioritize its gods over its economy. If you plan to visit, do so with respect, dress for extreme sub-zero temperatures, and always check the latest district administration advisories before crossing the Atal Tunnel.
