Mahasu jatar himachal pradesh
Mahasu Jatar, the Mahasu Devta Fair, is a celebrated festival in Himachal Pradesh, India. Mahasu Devta, the local deity for this region, is the one dedicated to the festival. Locals are in great moods during the fair as they revere their land as being under the guardianship of Mahasu Devta[1] giving blessings and protection to the people in that area.
How to Reach
By Air The nearest airport to Shimla is the Jubbarhatti Airport, located about 22 km from the city. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from there to Shimla.
By Train The nearest railway station is the Shimla Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. You can hire a taxi from the station or take a bus to reach the Shimla-Kotkhai road.
By Bus Regular bus services are available from major cities to Shimla. From Shimla, local buses or taxis can be hired to reach Mahasu village.
2 Days Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival and ‘Chhadir’ Day
Arrive at Shimla[2] and travel to the Mahasu village. Participate in the ‘Chhadir’ day rituals where people from different villages come together to bring flags and offerings to the temple of Mahasu Devta.
- Day 2: ‘Mela’ Day and Departure
Participate in the ‘Mela’ day, which is the main day of the fair. Seek blessings from Mahasu Devta at the temple and enjoy the traditional dance forms like the Natti and the Rasa. Depart in the evening.
Get Around
The fair is celebrated at a place about 6 km from Shimla-Kotkhai road near Mahasu village. You can get around the place on foot or hire a local taxi.
Things to Do
- Participate in the fair and the rituals.
- Witness the traditional dance forms like the Natti and the Rasa.
- Enjoy the archery game, the main attraction of the fair.
Offbeat Places
Visit the Durga Devi temple and the Mahasu Peak, named after Lord Mahasu, the main deity of the region.
Do
Participate in the ‘Jatar’ day, which marks the end of the festival. Also, try your hand at the traditional game called ‘Thoda’.
Shopping
The fair offers a lot of shopping options. You can buy local handicrafts, traditional clothes, and souvenirs.
Food
Try the local delicacies like the Channa Madra, a dish made of chickpeas and yogurt, and the Siddu, a steamed bread stuffed with potato or paneer.
Stay
There are several hotels and guest houses available in Shimla and nearby areas. You can choose one according to your budget and preference.
Go Next
After attending the Mahasu Jatar, you can visit other places in Himachal Pradesh like Manali, Dharamshala, and Dalhousie.