The day to day dishes of the people of Himachal Pradesh is very similar to the rest of north India in the sense that they too have dal-chawal-subzi-roti (lentil broth, rice, dish of vegetables and bread). However, one difference is that non vegetarian items are more in famous here than other north Indian states. Till recently, all that Himachal knew of vegetables were potatoes and turnips. However, now gradually, green vegetables are making their importance felt more and more. Some of the dishes that are unique to Himachal include Pateer, Chouck, Bhagjery and chutney of Til. Apart from these Nasasta is a sweetmeat of the Kangra region, Indra is dish prepared of Urad dal and Bada/Poldu is cooked in the Shimla region.

  

The traditional costume of Himachal Pradesh people varies as per the region of their belonging. Scarves and shawls are ubiquitous with the women while the men can be found in various types of Kurtas and the typical Himachal caps. 

The Rajputs clan in Himachal Pradesh are perhaps the most distinctly dressed. The Rajput males comprise starch stiffened Kurtas and body hugging 'Churidaars'. The females of this group apparel themselves little conventionally costumes like kurtas (shirt-like oriental blouse), salwars, ghaghri(Indian long skirts), choli (blouses or tops) and Rahide (head scarves decked with golden periphery). 

The farmers on the other hand can be recognized by the presence of kurta, a loincloth and a cap – the real have-not of the state. 

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Himachal Pradesh has a very distinct population that is composed of ethnolinguistic groups of tribals and socials. Scores of ethnic groups have their home in Himachal Pradesh. Most of the natives belong to the Aryan origin while the people of Lahaul and Spiti district are essentially descendants of Mongols. Among all the natives hat reside in the various regions of Himachal Pradesh, you should see the people pf Kinnaur region, who are supposed to be very beautiful and have an extraordinary collection of ornaments.

Himachal Pradesh has an intricately woven number of races, sects and communities. Come to Himachal to experience the real culture of Himachal Pradesh that has been fostered by these discrete people who live harmoniously on the same land.

Music and dance in Himachal Pradesh revolves around religion. Through their dance and music, people entreat gods during festivals and other special occasions. There are also dances that are specific to certain regions and are best performed by the people of that area. 

Some of the dance forms of Himachal are Losar Shona Chuksam (Kinnaur), Dangi (Chamba), Gee Dance and Burah dance, (Sirmour), Naati, Kharait, Ujagjama and Chadhgebrikar (Kullu) and Shunto (Lahaul & Spiti). 

As for the music of Himachal Pradesh is concerned, there is no classical form though there plenty of folk music to listen to. The folk stories of mountainous regions often find a mention in these music. The stories range from romance, chivalry and changing seasons. Musical instruments that are quiet frequently used by the artists here Ranasingha, Karna, Turhi, Flute, Ektara, Kindari, Jhanjh, Manjara, Chimta, Ghariyal, and Ghunghru.

Apart from the festivals that are celebrated on an all India basis, there are numerous other fairs and festivals that are the high point of Himachal Pradesh. These festivals are time when the religious and cultural faith of the people can be seen and felt clearly. These festivals are also the time for them to adorn colourful dress and accessories and mingle with the rest of their kins freely. Amongst these fairs and festivals are the Kullu Dussehra, Shivratri Fair (Mandi), Minjar Fair (Chamba), Mani Mahesh Chhari Yatra (Chamba), Renuka fair (Sirmaur), Lavi Trade Fair (Rampur), Vrajeshwari fair (Kangra), Jwalamukhi Fair (Jwalamukhi), Holi Fair (Sujanpur), Shivratri Fair (Mandi) and Naina Devi Fair (Bilaspur).

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The people of Himachal Pradesh are extremely hard working and talented and this reflects in their art and craft. The extremely beautiful handicraft that come out of this state is really worth appreciating. Carpets, leather works, shawls, paintings, metalware, woodwork and paintings are just some of the craft forms of the people here. The much in demand Pashmina shawl is the product of this state. Colourful Himachali caps are yet another famous art work of the people. A tribe by the name of Dom is expert in manufacturing bamboo items like boxes, sofas, chairs, baskets and rack. Clay pots and statuettes are also famous and make for a good buy. Metalware of the state include utensils, ritualistic vessels, idols, gold and silver jewelleries.