Raulane: The 5,000-Year-Old Himalayan Festival of Himachal Pradesh

Raulane, celebrated in Himachal Pradesh for nearly 5,000 years, is a mystical festival rooted in local folklore, community rituals, and ancient Himalayan beliefs. Observed annually in Kalpa and nearby regions as snow melts and nature awakens, it features a symbolic marriage between a Raula (groom) and Raulane (bride), representing protective fairy spirits called Sauni. Villagers perform meditative dances, including the masked Zanpundlu, to ward off evil and pray for protection. This festival reflects the deep bond of locals with their land, culture, and environment, preserved orally across generations.