Raulane Festival of Kinnaur: History and Origin of Himachal’s 5,000-Year-Old Celebration of Mystical Fairies

Raulane Festival of Kinnaur: History and Origin of Himachal’s 5,000-Year-Old Celebration of Mystical Fairies (image: X / @bharattechind)

Raulane Festival: High in the Himalayas, the Kinnaur region is known for its stunning landscapes, harsh winters and ancient traditions. Among these traditions is the Raulane Festival, a 5,000-year-old celebration deeply rooted in Himalayan folklore. This winter festival honours the Saunis, celestial fairies believed to protect the villages during the season’s toughest days. With its mystical rituals, symbolic marriage, and slow ceremonial dance, Raulane remains one of Himachal Pradesh’s most culturally rich and rarely documented traditions.

Who Are the Saunis?

In local belief, the Saunis are divine fairies who descend from their heavenly palaces during winter. Villagers consider them guardians who watch over homes, farms, cattle and families when the cold becomes unbearable. Raulane is celebrated to honour these fairies and seek their blessings for protection, warmth and prosperity.

Ritual of the Symbolic Marriage

The festival begins with a traditional announcement declaring that two men will be symbolically “married.” One takes the role of Raula (the groom) and the other becomes Raulane (the bride). This ritual does not reflect an actual marriage but represents a sacred union that invites divine energy. Villagers believe that through this symbolic partnership, the chosen men become vessels for the Sauni spirits.

During Raulane, the Raula and Raulane are wrapped in heavy Kinnauri woollens, ornate shawls, headpieces and masks. Their faces and hands remain completely covered, transforming them into ritual figures who stand between the human and spiritual worlds. The disguise is more than tradition. It is believed to help channel the energy of the Saunis and allow the chosen men to act as messengers between realms.

The Procession to the Nagin Narayan Temple

Once adorned, the pair walks slowly to the ancient Nagin Narayan Temple, the spiritual centre of the village. Here, in front of gathered locals, they perform a slow, measured dance. There are no dramatic movements, only soft steps meant to symbolise a connection between humans and the divine. For the villagers, this dance is the moment when the heavens feel closest to the earth.

Kinnaur is home to one of the world’s oldest surviving cultures. Despite harsh winters, isolation and changing times, its communities have preserved age-old rituals like Raulane with sincerity and devotion. The festival is not performed for visitors but for ancestors, families and the sacred fairies who are believed to bless the land with abundance.

Raulane stands out for its purity. There is no modern decoration, no artificial lights and no attempt to commercialise the tradition. Every element comes from local craftsmanship, especially wool, which has long protected the people of Kinnaur from the Himalayan cold. The festival’s charm lies in its simplicity, deep faith and the belief that some traditions remain powerful because they still speak to the heart of a community.

Why Raulane Still Matters Today?

In a world moving fast, the Raulane Festival reminds us that ancient stories carry wisdom, and traditions survive because they hold meaning. Raulane is more than a celebration. It is a link between the past and present, between human faith and the unseen world of the Saunis.