The State-Level Tribal Festival 2025, held from August 14 to 16, at the Police Ground in Keylong, marked a historic milestone as Himachal Pradesh’s first eco-friendly and zero-waste festival. Organised by the District Administration of Lahaul & Spiti, the three-day celebration set a new benchmark for cultural pride, sustainability, and community participation.
Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu virtually inaugurated the festival and announced development projects worth ₹36 crore for the region. Addressing the gathering, he said, “Lahaul is not only a land of unmatched beauty and cultural depth, but also a symbol of how sustainable development and heritage preservation can go hand-in-hand. The eco-friendly Tribal Festival 2025 is a shining example of a forward-looking, environmentally conscious Himachal Pradesh.”
The festival drew large crowds, supported by over 790 homestays and 70 hotels across the valley. It promoted tribal tourism, local products, and homestay participation, creating new livelihood opportunities for residents.
Shri Rajesh Dharmani, Hon’ble Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Technical Education, attended as Chief Guest, along with local MLA Ms. Anuradha Rana.
The event was spearheaded by Kiran Bhadana (IAS), Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of the Tribal Festival Committee. She said, “This festival reflects the soul of Lahaul – its tribal roots, its vibrant culture, and its progressive spirit. Our aim was not just to celebrate, but to do so with mindfulness and inclusivity, ensuring every local, visitor, and stakeholder felt a part of this journey.”
Several leaders and officials, including Veena Devi, Zila Parishad Chairperson; Akanksha Sharma, SDM Keylong; Kalyani Tiwana, Assistant Commissioner; and Rashmi Sharma, DSP Keylong, played key roles in planning and execution.
What set the festival apart was its eco-conscious design: a complete ban on single-use plastic, biodegradable utensils, refillable water stations, and waste segregation by Swachhata volunteers. The initiative won praise for becoming a model of zero-waste celebrations in Himachal.
Highlights included a colourful Shobha Yatra, the 79th District-Level Independence Day parade, cultural performances by artists like Da Shugs Band (Ladakh), singer Faisal Ashoor, Rosy Sharma, and Firdaus Band, as well as traditional dances Jabro and Chabskyan. Pageants such as Mr. & Ms. Lahaul-Spiti, Tribal Queen, and Tribal King celebrated heritage and empowerment. Sports events—ranging from cricket and volleyball to tug of war—added to the excitement, with Ms. Bhadana herself joining participants.
In the run-up to the festival, community activities such as yoga sessions, plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, and traditional competitions engaged residents across the valley. Government departments also showcased welfare schemes, while SHGs and Tribes India promoted handicrafts, local produce, and cuisines.
The State-Level Tribal Festival 2025 will be remembered as a landmark celebration of heritage, sustainability, and unity, reinforcing Lahaul & Spiti’s role as both a cultural and ecological beacon of Himachal Pradesh.
