Festivals of Kinnaur District represent the rich cultural heritage as well as the cultural diversity of the country. These are celebrated in the honour of different deities and a number of myths surround these celebrations. The grandeur and splendour of these festivals are remarkable. The rituals performed in the ceremonies are unique and are immensely cherished by the local folks. Peculiar food delicacies form a distinct aspect of these festivals.

Sazo
Sazo festival is celebrated in the month of January. On this occasion people take holy bath in natural springs or Sutlej River. The main food delicacies prepared during this festival are rice, vegetables, pulses, poltus, chilta, halwa and pug. Family God is worshipped in the mornings and the hearth is worshipped in the noon. Fold dance is also performed. After the occasion it is believed that the deity leaves for Kinnaur Kailash.

Phagul or Suskar
This festival is celebrated during February or March. The festival is celebrated in a grand way throughout the district for about a fortnight where sprit of Kanda (peak), also known as Kali, is worshipped. Different names have been assigned to the different days of the festival in which peculiar functions are organized. A feast is held on the last day of the festival and according to the local faiths; the deity blesses the villagers for prosperity.

Baisakhi or Beesh
The celebration of Baisakhi takes place during the month of April. Delicacies like Keyshid, Halwa and Poltu are prepared during this festival. A fair is also organized during the festival when the idol of the goddess is brought out of the temple. Get together and feasts are the prominent features of the festival which also marks the end of winters. New woollen clothes are prepared and are worn by the people.

Dakhraini
Dakhraini is celebrated during July and is accompanied by a grand feast. The villages perform dances before the idol of the deity which is brought out of the temple. Special garlands made of loskar and zongor flowers, found in kand peak, are offered to the Goddess. This is followed by the distribution of the flowers among the villagers. In case of a death in the family, the members of the family visit the peak of the hill to offer fruits and food to shepherd in the honour of the departed soul. Another ritual is performed which involves fixing of a white flag with Buddhist mantras on the peak through which the peace of the departed soul is wished.

Flaich Ukhayang
In the month of September, Flaich Ukhayang is celebrated which is a festival of flowers. It is also celebrated all over the district on different dates. The festival is celebrated over the peak of nearby hills where the idol of deity is taken through a procession accompanied by a band. Sacrifice of a goat is also carried out. Garlands are prepared with shuloo flowers brought from the peaks and a grand fair is organized. These garlands are dedicated to the deity. The idol of the goddess, decorated with flowers, is then brought back to the village and during the return journey people sing and dance with great vigour.

Losar
Losar is the celebration of New Year in the month of December. A special delicacy of parched barley mixed with butter milk is consumed by the family members. Garlands made of chilgoza flowers are put on and wishes and greetings are exchanged between the family and friends. Khepa is observed before two to three days of this celebration. Small branches of a thorny bush are generally placed at the doorstep as a ritual to keep the evil spirits away.

Tribal Festival
Tribal Festival is observed every year from 30 October to 2nd November at District Headquarter Reckong Peo. This celebration has commenced from the year 1990s. It has been also declared as state level festival. Previously, this festival was also celebrated under different names viz. Phulaich Utsav, Janjatiya Utsav and also Tribal Festival. It is a grand showcase of the cultural heritage of the district and provides a great opportunity to the local folk for displaying or selling their handicrafts, agricultural or horticultural products. Various cultural programs are also organized during the festival, which are symbolic of national integration and brotherhood.

Festivals of Kinnaur District play a key role in promoting brotherhood and togetherness among different communities of the district. The spirit of these celebrations not only attracts the local people, but also numerous tourists from far off places. The gaiety and frolic of these colourful festivals amidst the mesmerizing landscapes creates a delightful experience.