Culture of Mandi District is dictated by factors that have a rich culture which is very much apparent in their day to day lives. The colourful dresses of populace strikes one instantly as one makes ones way through the state. However, more than the dresses or even the notable physical features of the people, it is their warm and friendly nature that would draw one towards them. Interacting with them can be extremely fruitful as one would get to know more about their religious and cultural life as it is.
Due to the cushioning of the region with rugged Himalayan mountains , rivers , forests , it is free from any cultural imperialism .The culture of Himachal Pradesh is nicely shaped by the simplicity and traditional customs of the people and the way they lead lives. However, the amazing scenery meets the satisfaction of the visitors and they fall in love with the place and its people. Tourism industry has flourished in leaps and bounds over the decade. The hill tops are jammed with numerous hotels and restaurants. People of Himachal Pradesh belong mainly to the agrarian communities and lead a simple, hassle free life. With the changing times the locales are getting proper education and are therefore shifting to other professions. Hindi is the state language. However many people speak Pahari. Pahari itself has numerous dialects and these had their origin in the Sanskrit language. Other languages spoken by the people are Kangri, Kinnauri, Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari and Dogri.
The people of Himachal Pradesh are extremely hard working and talented and this reflects in their art and craft. The extremely beautiful handicrafts that come out of this state are really worth appreciating. Carpets, leather works, shawls, paintings, metal ware, woodwork and paintings are just some of the craft forms of the people here. The much in demand Pashmina shawl is the product of this state. Colourful Himachali caps are yet another famous art work of the people. A tribe by the name of Dom is expert in manufacturing bamboo items like boxes, sofas, chairs, baskets and rack. Clay pots and statuettes are also famous and make for a good buy. Metal ware of the state includes utensils, ritualistic vessels, idols, gold and silver jewelleries.
The Himachalis are fond of dance and music and these are key elements of culture of Himachal Pradesh. The songs and performing dances are spiritual in nature and mainly used to invoke gods and goddesses during festive seasons. Himachal Pradesh is racy in folk music and till date no classical music has initiated. However, a special kind of songs namely Samskara song are grounded on ragas which belong to the genre of Indian classical music. Famous dance styles are Naati, Kharait, Ujagjama and Chadhgebrikar (Kullu), Shunto (Lahaul & Spiti), and Dangi (Chamba). In Sirmaur and Mahusa regions a woman dances in high spirits and the whole lot of audience are totally enthralled by her vivacious performance.
