La Darcha Festival is one of those unique events that have both cultural and trade side to them. Celebrated in August, this multi-day festival lures traders from all over Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Kullu dussehra.
The Festival is nothing less than a meeting of cultures of Ladakh and Spiti, which is also the location where it is held. From handicrafts to artefacts to unspoiled culture, everything unique to this region is up for display here.
La Darcha Festival is being celebrated since the time immemorial. However, there came a pause in celebrating this festival in 1962, that is, during the Indo-China war. However, people started to celebrate this fun festival again in 1980. Since then, La Darcha Festival is being celebrated annually for the past 40 years.
1. Fair and Exhibition. La Darcha Festival showcases myriads of exquisite items. A huge shopping fair and exhibition are organised. People specially come to see the unique products that are found only here. Being a primarily trade festival, it attracts merchants, brokers, and traders from both domestic and international regions.
2. Cultural Shows. Not just a business-related affair, La Darcha Festival also has a beautiful cultural side. People can not only indulge in shopping, but can also enjoy the Chaam and Buchan Dance, archery competitions, and special Buddhist sermons.
3. Variety of Products. There are tons of authentic and one-of-a-kind items that are exchanged during La Darcha Festival, including metal works, variety of grains, plastic products, utensils, and even animal products.
Spiti is a very beautiful and serene place. It translates to the middle land and signifies the land that is between Tibet and India. This region is also a cultural and research centre for Buddhism. Here are three main modes of transport via which you can reach the festival location.
By Air. The nearest airport to Spiti that is also well-connected to the major cities in the country is Kullu Manali Airport at Bhuntar, Kullu dussehra. After deboarding, you can take public transport to reach the La Darcha Festival venue. The airport is under the Airport Authority of India (AAI). It is equipped with all modern facilities, such as automated firefighting system, fire detection, modern ticketing counters, advance PA system etc.
By Train. The nearest railway station to Spiti is Jogindernagar. However, its connectivity to major cities is not strong. The next nearest railways station which is well-connected to far cities is in Chandigarh. The Chandigarh Junction railway station serves frequent trains to cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, etc. From the airport, you can take a taxi to reach the festival.
By Road. If you live near Spiti, then you can very well go for the road route. Here is some brief information on the road routes. You can take your own vehicle or hire a cab.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
PLEASE NOTE : Dates can vary due to cancellation or last-minute changes.