Himachal Pradesh is full with quiet, hidden events that most people have never heard about. One of these lovely traditions is the Raulane Festival, celebrated across the different villages of Himachal. This celebration is simple, natural and intricately linked to village life.
It shows how people in the area respect their community, the environment, and their deities.
If you enjoy exploring culture, unhurried travel, and authentic village experiences, the Raulane Festival is something you should witness at least once. It is not business-like, not busy, and not made for tourists. The villagers celebrate it, and guests are greeted with interest and hospitality.
In this blog, you will understand what the Raulane Festival in Himachal is, how you can explore a village during this time, what you will see, and a proper itinerary to enjoy the entire experience.
What Is the Raulane Festival?
Raulane (also written as Raulaane or Rahulaane) is a traditional seasonal festival in Himachal. In the Nagin Narayan temple, they celebrate this Raulane festival where the groom and bride go to the temple to thank the god.
The cultural costume that you saw in the viral videos, where a groom covers his face with a red cloth and the second one covers it with silver jewellery, is what makes this festival unique.
The story behind covering the face is that if the groom’s face reveals a little bit, a fairy might kidnap him or take him away with her.
The Raulane festival in Himachal happens during the spring or early summer (April to June), depending on the region. Here, the celebration has multiple reasons, which are:
- Celebrate the changing season
- Thank the local deities (devtas)
- Pray for good harvests, health, and protection
- Bring the whole village together
It is a festival of folk music, village dances, rituals, and temple gatherings. Every village celebrates it in its own style, but the soul of the festival remains the same—community and gratitude.
What You Will See at the Raulane Festival
Experiencing a major event is not the same as traveling for this festival. It is calm, relaxed and full of little moments. The following are the typical experiences you will have:
The community comes to life with color, music, and intense devotion during the Raulane Festival. While traditional instruments like the dhol, narsingha, shehnai, and ranasingha play in the background, local gods arrive out of the temples in exquisitely painted palanquins on the shoulders of locals. As they follow the procession, people give prayers, gently dance, and passionately celebrate their devta’s presence.
As the day continues, you’ll witness groups of men and women performing the well-known Himachal traditional dance, Natti, in open fields or temple courtyards. They move slowly, elegantly, and in perfect harmony with the mountain rhythm.
The aroma of rustic Himachali cuisine, including rice, dal, madra, siddu, and freshly baked sweets, permeates the air. The festival spirit is further enhanced by the fact that many families even provide complimentary lunches.
Life is easy and pleasant everywhere in the community. Men are in charge of planning rituals, women make decorations, children run around playing, and seniors sit together telling stories.
The center of the festivities is the temple, where blessings, offerings, and pujas take place all week long. During Raulane, everything seems wholesome, peaceful, and bursting with cultural beauty.
What You Will See at the Raulane Festival
Traveling for this festival is not like attending a big event. It is slow, peaceful, and full of small moments. Here are the things you will usually experience:
Walk Through the Village
Himachal villages are peaceful, green, and full of charm. Walking through the narrow pathways gives you a closer look at traditional wooden houses, apple orchards, and terraced fields. Every corner feels fresh and calm, making the walk itself a beautiful experience. You also get to see daily village life happening naturally around you.
Talk to Locals
The people here are warm and welcoming, and they love sharing stories about their culture. When you talk to them, you learn the real meaning behind the Raulane Festival and how they celebrate it every year.
They often share interesting traditions, beliefs, and memories. These conversations make your travel experience more personal and meaningful.
Visit the Temple
Visiting the local temple early in the morning lets you witness the quiet preparations for the festival. You may see villagers cleaning the space, arranging flowers, and decorating the deity. The atmosphere feels pure and peaceful. It’s the best time to understand how important the temple is to the community.
Try Local Food
Himachali food during the festival is simple, fresh, and full of flavour. Families and homestays prepare traditional dishes like siddu, madra, dal, and sweets especially for the occasion.
Many offer meals with love, making you feel like part of the village. Tasting these dishes helps you connect with the culture in the most comforting way.
Join the Natti Dance
Natti is the heartbeat of Himachal, and joining it is pure joy. You don’t need to know the steps—just follow the rhythm of the music and the flow of the group. Villagers happily welcome outsiders into the circle. It is one of the best ways to feel the festival’s energy and become part of the celebration.
2-Day Itinerary to Witness the Raulane Festival
Here is a simple and structured itinerary to help you experience the festival fully.
🗓 Day 1: Arrival + Village Exploration
Morning
- Reach the village where Raulane is celebrated.
- Check into a local homestay.
- Freshen up and relax for some time.
- Enjoy a Himachali breakfast like parathas, siddu, or local bread.
- Start exploring the village on foot.
- Visit the main temple where preparations are going on.
You may see women making flower garlands and men arranging the palanquin (palki).
Afternoon
- Enjoy a simple local lunch at your homestay.
- Walk through orchards, farms, and small streams around the village.
- Talk to villagers and learn about Raulane traditions.
Evening
- Sit with locals for tea.
- Observe small rituals at the temple.
- Some villages start early folk music sessions in the evening.
- Have dinner early and rest. (Next day is the main festival!)
🗓 Day 2: Raulane Festival Day
Early Morning
- Wake up early to see the temple preparations.
- Villagers gather in traditional outfits.
- The priest performs rituals before taking out the deity.
- The devta procession begins.
- Drums and trumpets fill the air.
- The deity is carried around the village.
- You can walk with the villagers, observe respectfully, and take photos.
Afternoon
- The procession continues with dance and music.
- Natti starts in open grounds—everyone joins.
- Some villages have community lunches; enjoy local flavors.
- Sit near the temple and watch the final rituals.
- Locals take blessings from the deity.
- The procession returns to the temple.
Evening
- People gather for a final round of music or storytelling.
- Buy small local items if available—woolen socks, caps, or handmade souvenirs.
- Head back to your homestay, enjoy dinner, and relax.
Best Tips for Travelers
- Dress modestly as you’ll be visiting temples.
- Ask permission before taking close photos of rituals.
- Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll walk a lot.
- Carry cash, as ATMs might not be nearby.
- Respect the culture—this festival is for locals.
Why You Must Experience Raulane at Least Once
Many festivals today are crowded, commercial, and loud. But Raulane still feels pure and untouched. When you attend it, you don’t just see a festival—you feel the heart of Himachal. The kindness of villagers, the sound of traditional instruments, the beauty of Natti, and the connection with nature make this experience unforgettable.
The Raulane Festival is not about big shows. It is about simple joys, honest celebrations, and deep traditions. If you want to explore Himachal beyond the famous tourist spots, this festival will show you the real soul of the mountains.
