Halda, a festival similar to
Diwali, is celebrated by the people of Chandra and Bhaga Valleys in
Lahaul and Spiti District. The date of this festival is fixed by the Lama, and it generally falls in the month of January.
In
Pattan valley, it is celebrated as Magh Poornima, which corresponds with full moon. The people worship Shiskar Apa, the goddess of wealth, in some regions on this occasion.
A sort of torch named Halda, which is made with pencil cedar branches, are lit in the evening at each house, and all these torches are brought together at one place. It is repeated four or five times in honor of different deities.
The people of Gahar valley and Keylong curse the Ranas of Goushal and Kardang during the festival.
