Phagli fair is held in the month of Phalgun and falls on the second half of February or the first half of March. It is celebrated in the whole
Kullu valley, and is a popular fair of
Malana.
The fair celebrates the victory of good over evil, and on this occasion, a person disguises himself as a demon by putting a mask on his face and tying some grass around his body. The Gur, who stands as the spokesperson of God, performs a special dance called Deo Khel and the man dressed as the demon perform Raksh Khel.
According to legend, there once lived a demon named Tundi Raksh, who caused great troubles to the folks of Malana and Archhandi villages. Ultimately, the demon was killed by the sages Manu and Shandalya. The fair commemorates this event.
Phagli Fair is held to memorize this event. Before the festival, people grow yellow barley grass under the shade in their houses and it is worn as garland during the fair. Some wear it on their caps.
