Himachal Pradesh Bank Holidays 2023

Himachal Pradesh has 25 bank holidays in the year 2023 excluding the second/fourth Saturday and Sundays. Below is the the month-wise 2023 bank holidays list in Himachal Pradesh.

More About Himachal Pradesh Holidays 2023

Himachal Pradesh is a renowned state in Northern India. It is a famous and most visited tourist state in India located in the Western Himalayas. The place nestled in the mid of nature endowed with meadows, forests, valleys, orchards, pine trees, rivers, huge lakes, and snow-clad mountains. The capital of Himachal Pradesh is Shimla which was once the capital of British India.

History behind Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh was once the part of the Indus Valley Civilization. It set on the hills of Himachal Pradesh between 2250 and 1750 BC. It was followed by Mongoloids and Aryans. It flourished during different dynasties and took control over the republics of Himachal. In fact the grandson Ashoka increased the boundaries to the Himalayan region. In the past Thakurs and Ranas reigned in the hilly areas and Harsha reached to the power in 7th century. Mughals took their hold in 10th century after the entry of Mahmud Ghaznavi who fought in Kangra. Later Timur and Sikander Lodi took their way to Himachal Pradesh via lower hills and fought several battles and took the charge of various forts.

After the defeat of Mughal dynasty, the Katoch rulers grew to prominence and Kangra attained independence under Maharaja Sansar Chand who ruled for 50 years. Gorkhas from Nepal expanded their territory and took over Shimla and Sirmour. And fighting against Sansar Chand in 1806 they took over Kangra, but they failed take over Kangra fort and in the year1806 Maharaja Ranjeet Singh took over the fort. The region came under the British Crown and started the independence movement with Mandi conspiracy. After independence, Himachal Pradesh was announced as the Union Territory and after hill areas of Punjab in Himachal.

Culture

The spotless beauty of Himachal Pradesh is not limited to visuals but the rich culture. The state was occupied by Indus Valley Civilization. However, Aryans those who have migrated from Central Asia influenced the culture exist in Himachal Pradesh. Hindus live in Himachal Pradesh specifically in Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti are influenced by Tibetan culture. Most of the people in HP follow Buddhist religion. Some of the most spoken languages are Hindi and Pahari, however, Sino-Tibetan language is also spoken in the places near Tibetan Border.

Some of the existing communities in Himachal Pradesh include Brahmins, Rajputs, Rathis, Choudharies, Kannets, and Kolis. These communities constitute 96% of the total population and rest of the 4% community includes Gujjars, Kinnars, Gaddis, Tanolis, Lahaulis, Pangawals belonging to the communities in Himachal Pradesh. Few communities are nomads. People are religious and the state has a large number of temples with great religious significance. Revered temples gave this state status of Dev Bhumi. The hilly region has made the state an abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. People in the state are cordial and warm-hearted. They follow occupation such as agriculture, forestry, horticulture, or pastoralism.

Art and Handicraft

Himachal Pradesh is known for art and handicraft. It is vivid, diverse, and beautiful. The state is famous for craftsmanship, art, and culture and witnessed vivid paintings, attractive handlooms, beautiful woodwork, exclusive metal products, well-woven carpets, stonework, and leather goods. Himachal Pradesh offers Himachali caps, silk, and muslin fully embroidered with Chamba art, classic thangkas and most charming souvenirs of Himachal. Pahari paintings witness flora and fauna of Himachal and artists depicting the life of Gods especially Lord Krishna through paintings. Amongst the handloom products includes blankets, shawls, and carpets etc highly influenced by Tibetan patterns. Another craft includes Basket weaving designed by the weavers.

Woods

As the state is rich in pine, walnut, chestnut, mulberry, etc offers wooden craft. Through the woods, many items are created such as trays, toys, utensils, sticks, etc which are seen in the local markets. Tibetan markets are situated in different parts of Himachal Pradesh such as Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, and McLeodganj. For shopping, many unique art forms are available for tourists.

Dance Forms

Himachal Pradesh has several dance forms, here is the list:

• Losar Shona Chuksam in Kinnaur
• Burah dance in Sirmour
• Shunto in Lahaul and Spiti
• Naati in Kullu
• Dangi in Chamba

The Folk songs of Himachal Pradesh speaks a lot about Himachali religion, customs, and harvest. The well-known folk songs of Himachal Pradesh are Ainchaliyan, Dholru, Soohadiyan. The state government has shown the culture of the state which is well-preserved by the state.

Food

Himachal Pradesh is a natural splendor, delicious cuisines, and multi-cultural environment. The food is a blend of aromatic spices and natural products. The state produces world-renowned Basmati rice. Some of the fresh vegetables, fruits, and green leafy vegetables are grown in abundance. Grains and meat are well-grown here. People prefer eating Dham as the festive traditional meal of the state. Patande is another famous dish of HP. It is like a pancake eaten in breakfast and eaten the most in Sirmaur district. Babru is a well-known Himachali snack and is the variation of kachoris. Sidu is a bread savored with mutton or daal. Chana Madra is chickpeas cooked in the gravy, a very popular gravy dish eaten in the state.

Popular Preparations

Here is the list of the popular prepared with vegetables, rice:

• Auriya Kaddoo
• Mash daal
• Sepu Vadi
• Gucchi Mattar
• Tudkiya Bhath
• Bhey

Non-Vegetarian Food Items

The most eaten non-vegetarian food items are:

• Chha Gosht
• Kullu Trout
• Chamba Style Fried Fish
• Pahadi Chicken
• Mittha
• Akotri

Places to Visit

The area of Himachal Pradesh has its charm, natural culture, and customs. Some of the activities performed in Himachal Pradesh are as follows:

• Exotic Activities
• Sightseeing
• Trekking
• Temple tour
• Adventure Sports
• River Rafting

Offbeat Places

Some of the offbeat places located in Himachal Pradesh such as Shoja, Barot, Chitkul, and Kalpa

Nature Trekking and Hiking Tours

If you are willing to go for natural trekking and hiking tours then choose places such as Kufri, Solang, Chail, etc.

List of Cities in Himachal Pradesh

The following is the list of cities in Himachal Pradesh-

• Bilaspur
• Chamba
• Hamirpur
• Kangra
• Kinnaur
• Kullu
• Lahaul Spiti
• Mandi
• Shimla
• Sirmaur
• Solan
• Una