About Sangla Holi & Spiti Valley
🎭 The Sangla Holi (Fagli Festival)
Celebrating Holi in Sangla Valley (Kinnaur district) is a rare cultural experience that differs significantly from the rest of India. In the mountains, it is often referred to as Fagli or Faguli and marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. It combines elements of Holi (colors) and Diwali (lighting of diyas/lamps). Villagers dress up as characters from the Ramayana and lead musical processions throughout the valley. Since March is still cold in the Himalayas, it is common to play with a mix of dry colors (Gulal) and actual snow. A traditional masked dance performed by men in the temple courtyards and village squares to the beat of drums and trumpets. People share Totu (made of buttermilk and roasted barley) and a special local grape/fruit wine called Phasur.
The Faguli Festival: A 4-Day Spiritual Transition
What makes Holi in Kinnaur truly unique is its connection to the Faguli Festival. Lasting for four whole days, this ancient tradition marks the arrival of spring.
- The First Two Days: These are dedicated to community bonding. Locals prepare traditional delicacies, offer prayers to their deities, and celebrate the strength of their heritage.
- The Third Day: This is when the valley transforms! Known as ‘Gulaal wali Holi,’ people from all walks of life gather at Sangla Chowk with natural colors, flowers, and smiles, creating a scene straight out of a dream.
Overview
Tour Type : Sangla Holi Festival
Duration : 6 Days
Start & End Point: Delhi
Region : Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Grade : (Road Trip )
Fixed Departure Dates: 27th Feb to 4 March 2026
Highlights of the Sangla Holi Celebration
- The Masked Dance (Phagli): Watch men in traditional attire and monster-like masks perform ancient dances in temple courtyards to drive away winter spirits.
- Snow & Gulaal: Since the valley is often snow-clad in March, you play with dry organic colors mixed with actual snow.
- The Ramayana Skits: Locals perform street plays depicting scenes from the Ramayana, accompanied by the hypnotic beat of Himachali drums and trumpets.
- Phasur & Totu: Taste the local grape wine (Phasur) and the ritualistic offering (Totu) made of roasted barley and buttermilk.
- Chitkul (India’s Last Village): At 11,320 ft, this is the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border. In March, it’s a pristine white paradise with the frozen Baspa River flowing beside it.