Dhoongri is a popular fair held at
Hadimba Temple in
Manali. It usually falls in the month of May. Both traditional and modern practices are observed during the fair.
The fair is linked to Goddess Hadimba, wife of Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers. The deities of gods from nearby villages join Goddess Hadimba to celebrate the fair. Local people dressed in their traditional best bring the deities of their ‘devta’ to the Hadimba temple in procession. The beats of dhol, nagada, narsingha and shahnai fill the atmosphere.
The local folk artistes with the music troupes in attendance dance the Kulu Natti. During the fair, they sing and dance giving an interesting glimpse of the local culture. In the stone auditorium locals and tourists feast and dance amidst singing all day long.
