International Himalayan Festival is celebrated in the
Kangra District of Himachal, in the month of December. The festival is
organized as a commemoration of the event when the Nobel Peace prize was
awarded to His Holiness The Dalai Lama in 1985. This event holds
significance since it is a sign of international recognition to his
peace initiatives. International Himalayan Festival is sponsored by
Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society, in collaboration with the Central
Tibetan Administration and the Department of Tourism of Himachal
Pradesh.
It stretches on for a period of three days and is kicked off from the
main shrine at McLeodganj. The festival is aimed at strengthening ties
and harmony between the natives of Himachal Pradesh and the Tibetans
living there. The highlights of the International Himalayan Festival
comprises of cultural shows and performances, mainly by the artistes of
the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, local artists, cultural
troupes and school children. The festival also serves as a major
attraction for the tourists visiting the state.
