Every religious
festivity has its own religious songs eulogizing the particular deity. Janmashtami,
Shivratri and Ramnavami bring- forth full-throated hymns and songs in praise of -Krishna'
Siva and Rama. The famous Naina Devi and Jwalamukhi have their own religious hymns. The
festival songs are preserved from mouth to mouth. In Nawala festival held in honor of
Siva, the Gaddis offer long prayers in verse known as Ainchalis. It is a legend about the
origin of the Universe explained in a simplistic manner. Folk and ritual dances in Himachal also have got a strong religious flavor. The
Kinnauris and the Gandharvas have been depicted as great singers and dancers in Pauranik
legends. This tradition is still being retained. The music, songs, and dances of Kinnaur,
Lahul and Spiti are all associated with religion. Even the folk arts in woodcarving,
paintings, embroideries etc., have a religious background.
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