Himachal Pradesh is a state having number of races, communities and cultures intermingled together. The cultures of the society in hills have initially been formulated before the Aryan invasion and the Khasa occupation. It was only due to their early foundations, that the ideologies of Aryan and Khasa of Himachal Pradesh reflect their god fearing and religious nature. Bulk of the population is Hindus i.e. 95.77 % following the Muslims which mainly reside in Chamba, Kangra and Simaur Valleys. There is around 1% Buddhist population and they live in Trans Himalayan areas of Lahaul & Spiti and Kinnaur areas. Sikhs are also sprinkled here and there in some parts of Himachal Pradesh.

Hindi is the state language but mostly people converse in Pahari. There are various dialects of Pahari which is spoken in different regions like in Manali,Manali is the language, likewise Kulavi in Kullu, Kehluri in Bilaspur, Hinduri in Malagarh, Mihasvi in Mahasu region and Pangwati in Pangi region. These all languages are of Sanskrit origin. The Rajputs are majority in Himachal Pradesh followed by Khasia, then the Brahmins who were the priest of Rajputs, next in number are the Ghirats, then the Mahajans and Soods.

The main occupation of Kinnaur inhabitants are rearing sheep & goats and raising wool. The women of Kinnaur region are very beautiful, modest and homely. The people of Pangi, a remote valley in Chamba district, are mostly engaged in farming. They eat grain with chaf and have spiritual and simple joint families. Gujjars wander though the year in search of pastures for their buffaloes and owls. They too live in joint families and most of them are Muslims. The women wear Kurta & Pyjama and men keep typical beards and wear turbans.

Himachali people are very hardworking, simple, honest and that is why crime rate is very low. They are extremely festive people.

93% of the state population is engaged in agriculture and Rajputs, Brahmins & Mahajans own most of the land. The low castes, which form about 24% of the population, are mostly artisans.

Winter and rainy season are periods when the activity in fields lowers down. But even during this time, shipping, weaving and knitting is done and baskets & mats are made.

The first investment after land is in livestock. Most of the animal husbandary is done by women who tend the animals in the forest and at home. A woman’s life is extremely busy from early morning to late night. She has to work hard at home, take care of the children and prepare food for the family.

The cultural roots of the people of Himachal Pradesh can be found in very ancient historical periods. It was not isolated from the cultural events of the plains of India. It was and has always been a centre of commercial activities due to the trade routes passing through it and connecting it with Tibet, China and central Asia. The different tribes of the state find mention in the 'Vedas', the 'Puranas', the 'Ramayana' and the 'Mahabharata'. Certain Sanskrit literature and authors mention the region and its tribes during their time.

The people of Himachal Pradesh are humble, sensitive and hardworking. They carry with them touches of the Vedic culture. The people of north, especially Lahaul-Spiti and areas of the northwest, are mixtures of Buddhist, Vedic and Islamic culture. These are people with Mongol eyes, prominent cheekbones. The rest of the Himachali's are fair and have angular faces. The legends call the people of Kinnaur as "Kinner's" the minstrels of the gods. Though most of the people here are Hindus and Buddhists, it is the Tantric Shiva Shakti cult that is most predominant. A number of temples dedicated to the goddess Durga or 'Devi' can be found in the state. The main languages spoken in Himachal are Hindi, Punjabi and a vast number of tribal dialects as well as Urdu and English. The people here are quite fond of dancing and singing. The flute is their favorite instrument. The dance is performed in groups of men and women, and the occasions can be marriages, births and the festivals, which continue throughout the year. Being spiritual minded, these people revere all things and always make an offering to the gods. They are quite good at making things and the shawls, blankets, rugs, carpets. Jewelry, painting, especially miniature paintings are found through the entire state. One can buy beautiful pieces at the local fairs at festival times. The Buddhists of the northern region too have their own distinctive crafts and arts. Another distinctive feature of the people of the mountains is their fondness for locally prepared alcohol. The different tribes of Himachal Pradesh have their own unique and slightly varied styles of dressing, eating, handicrafts, dialects and customs. Even so, they all share the same legends and folklore as well as similar rituals and ceremonies. There are some parts of the state where the social system has accepted different ways of running their society. In some places, polyandry is a common sight where as in other places smoking and drinking by women does not raise any questions. Once the people of the state were quite poor, but today a thriving tourism business and orchard plantations with fruits, dry fruits all in great demand, have given these people a new lease on life.

The different regions of Himachal Pradesh have different customs. Though most of the festivals are the same, yet at specific times certain festivals and fairs attract attention from the rest of India and abroad. The local people here are religious minded folks who lead a simple though colorful life. This trust in God is manifested in their seeking out the blessings of their local deities. The fairs that are held in the state are a meeting place of many different tribes. The people gather here to communicate, trade and most of all to celebrate the occasion which may be the honoring of the gods of their area. They dance and sing and bring their deities to the fair. It is in the presence of their gods that they enjoy themselves and conduct trade as well as purchase required articles for their houses. Some of the well known fairs and festivals of the state are:

Kullu Dussehra

This festival is well known throughout the state and is held at the end of Dussehra. Its date is announced by Hadimba Devi at Manali. This goddess is brought to the Kullu fair and is received by the King of Kullu after which the festival begins. It lasts for about a week and religious dances are held daily. The dance groups of all areas show their expertise at this art. Usually held in October, this festival is also a trading place for different tribes.

Is held in Mandi in the month of February/march. It also continues for about a week and a large number of gods and goddesses enter the town. They are all first taken to the Mahadev temple and then  to the Bhutnath temple. A similar fair is held at Baijnath in Kangra district. Again song and dance, music and drama all are combined with trade.

Is celebrated in the Chamba district in the month of August/September. The Gaddi tribe holds the fair with songs and dances in honor of the Rain-God 'Varuna.'

Mani Mahesh Chhari Yatra

This is a colorful procession, which moves from the Chamba town, and goes right up to the base of the 'Chamba Kailash', where a lake called 'Mani Mahesh' is situated. Pilgrims carry a sacred 'Chhari' on their shoulders and reach the lake on foot. It takes about 6 days of hard trekking to reach the lake. On reaching the lake, a nightlong ceremony is held and on the next day the devotees take a dip in the lake and return home.

This fair is held in the Sirmour district in the month of November. Renuka Devi, the mother of Parshuram is worshipped here. The fair is like other fairs of Himachal Pradesh, with lots of festivities, blessings and trade!

This place has a wildlife park, which is visited by the people who gather here. The fair lasts for about 7 days and folk dances and cultural festivities are in full swing during the entire week.

This trade fair is held in Rampur, on the banks of the Sutlej River. This is a trade dominated fair and people sell goods worth millions of rupees. Tribes from Kullu, Shimla and Kinnaur bring carpets, shawls, Woolen articles, dry fruits etc. for sale. This fair is held in the month of November and continues for 7 days. It is an occasion where people get together, make friends and enjoy as well as exchange goods. The fair is being held for the past 235 years. At this time trade takes place and is at a peak. At night, folk dances, music and bonfires are the attractions of this fair.

This too is a religious fair, which is held twice a year at Kangra at the time of Navratri. Many devotees of ‘Mata’ participate in this fair. 'Mundan' ceremony is also performed during this fair.

This fair is held during Navratri of Chaitra and Assuy. The devotees go round the Jwalakund in which a sacred fire burns, and make their offerings. This festival is held twice a year.

This Holi fair is  somewhat different from the rest of the Holi played in other parts of India. Here songs, dances, plays, matches are the main attraction. These events take place in spacious grounds.

Shivratri fair

Shivratri is a seven-day long fair where the devotees carry hundreds of idols of gods & goddesses. The fair is unique in style and known for its colorful atmosphere. It is held at Mandi and is good fun & frolic along with an insight into the traditions of Himachal.

Nainadevi temple is situated on a hilltop, 8km from Ganguual, powerhouse of Bilaspur district. Nainadevi fair is held in Aug every year and thousands of devotees come from different places to attend this fair.

People of Himachal Pradesh have developed through the years, rich tradition of handicrafts. People of this state are contained, simple and hardworking. Himachal Pradesh is famous for its woodwork, metal wares, carpets, woolen textile and leather embroidery. Some of the famous, original handicrafts are:

Himachal Pradesh is well known for its carpets. Traditional patterns like dragons, garuda on a flowering tree, swastikas are found on the carpets. Symbols like flute, castanets, fishes are also woven on the carpets. Readymade garments, accessories and dolls are also quite famous.

Himachal Pradesh is famous for its old costumes and garments. Himachali women weave headscarves. People wear grass shoes, which are quite warm. Kurtas, saris, gowns woven by Himachali people, are different from rest of India. Bangles and rings are made of horsehair and worn by women.

Leather crafts
The Chamba Chappal (slipper) is made nowhere else like the ones made in this place. It provides comfort and is light and warm with leather socks.