Traditional Fervour Marks Shanol Festival in Keonthal Region, Valley Filled with the Aroma of Siddu
Women making Siddu on Hariyali festival
Shimla, August 6:
The picturesque Kyonthal region of Himachal Pradesh celebrated the Shanol Festival—also known as the Hariyali Parv—with great cultural zeal and traditional enthusiasm, coinciding with the auspicious month of Shravan. Rich in heritage, this vibrant festival is a celebration of the region’s folk traditions, reverence for nature, and deep-rooted environmental awareness.
What made this year’s celebrations especially delightful was the widespread preparation of the traditional delicacy siddu—both sweet and savoury variants—which filled homes and the surrounding valley with a warm, inviting aroma. Served piping hot with desi ghee and fresh curd, the dish added a comforting flavour to the rainy monsoon ambience.
Locals visited temples dedicated to their clan deities, seeking blessings and exchanging festive greetings. The Shanol Festival is not just a seasonal celebration—it is an expression of gratitude towards nature and a reaffirmation of spiritual and communal bonds.
The festival also holds historical significance. It coincides with the birth anniversary of Dr. Y.S. Parmar, the founding architect and first Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, further elevating its cultural relevance. According to village elders Daya Ram Verma and Daulat Ram Mehta, the festival has been observed for centuries and remains a cornerstone of Kyonthal’s cultural identity.
Traditionally celebrated on the 20th day of the Shravan month, the festival extends beyond Kyonthal into the neighbouring regions of Sirmaur and Solan, where border villages also take part in the observance. Rural fairs are a highlight of the festival, drawing crowds from across the area to participate in music, dance, and local rituals.
In places like Nei-Neti, these fairs have been a part of the Shanol celebrations for generations. Women, dressed in traditional attire, adorned with mehndi and bangles, play an active role in the festivities. Children, too, look forward to the occasion, adding to the vibrant and joyous spirit of the day.
Ultimately, the Shanol Festival is much more than a seasonal observance—it is a living embodiment of regional unity, cultural pride, and enduring tradition, kept alive with devotion and joy across generations.
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