Fair and festivals of Bilaspur District in Himachal Pradesh is the cultural mirror that is interwoven in the daily lives of the people of this district. Bilaspur people breathe in the cultural atmosphere and the fairs and festivals connect to the cultural heritage of the people that is the popular culture of the region. They collectively exhibit a high civic sense of associations and social discipline.
Various types of fairs and festivals are celebrated almost around the year. The cultural carnival held in Bilaspur displays not only the arts, culture and entertainment of the state but also the lifestyle of the society. In Nalwari fair, families along with children come to the spot and get engrossed in the cultural rendezvous and dramatic. People from numerous other regions even flock here to rejoice in the celebrations and add to the spirit of united celebration.
Bilaspur town of Himachal Pradesh witnesses the four-five day long Nalwari or annual cattle fair each year in the month of March or April. The people of Bilaspur enjoy wrestling bouts and quite a lot of other fun activities. Cattle are brought from Nalagarh and neighbouring areas of Punjab, for this celebration. The traders across the country bring their beautifully decorated cattle to the spot because the time is supposed to shower very lucrative deals for them. The local athletes get a dais to showcase their gymnastic skills and physical prowess. The cultural milieu of Nalwari Mela swarms with families and children frolicking and merrymaking about the place.
Gugga Fair
Gugga Fair begins from Gugga Navami which falls in the month of August to September. This fair has a unique aim to commemorate Gugga, a Hindu Rajput young prince has stored his identity in the pages of history after he overcame his enemies owing to his mighty valour and outlandish chivalry. It is generally believed that the worship of Gugga saves one from the danger of snakes. Group of singers praise the heroic deeds of Gugga.
Baisakhi Fair
Baisakhi Fair is another conspicuous fair that begins in the month of April. A natural spring embellishes this place and married couples visit this place to have a bath in sacred water which is believed to cure certain infant diseases. Again the holy waters are the source of creation and life redefined as sterility is changed into fertility. Even the farmers in this topographical area celebrate the festival of Baisakhi with lot of joy and enthusiasm, since for them Baisakhi marks the time for harvest of rabi crops. This is not only a time of hard work but also a time when the community gathers together to mark the end of a successful agricultural season. Prosperous with the bountiful produce they look forward to celebrating Baisakhi with all eagerness. Cries of "Jatta aayi Baisakhi" ring in the skies as gaily-dressed men and women move towards the fields to celebrate the occasion.
Shahtalai Fair unfurls its journey in the month of June. Worship of Baba Balak Nath Ji lasts for a time gap of one month. Bag fair begins in the month of June. Dangal is the main attraction of the fair. Bachretu Fair begins in the month of April and people come to have Baisakhi bath at Bachretu.
