The International folk festival of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh brings the flavor of exuberant cheerfulness for the people of Shimla. This festival of fun and frolic is celebrated in the month of October in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh.

Kullu is known to be the 'Silver Valley' of India. The well known Dussera festival of Kullu in the month of October marks the beginning of the International folk festival. The Dussera festival is celebrated on the victory of Ram over Ravana, the evil. The culture, custom and tradition of the people of the hilly region of Himachal Pradesh is reflected in the way the celebration is carried out at Kullu. The festival bears the testimony of the Indian mythological history.

It is during the time of the International folk festival that Kullu is found at its best of spirits. The river of Beas flows behind and the snow engulfed mountain peaks is a feast for the eyes. The entire Kullu becomes a paradise at the time of International folk festival. People from all over Himachal Pradesh wait throughout the year for the International folk festival of Shimla. Stalls are put up by the locals whereby buying and selling of local handicrafts and jeweleries, textiles and other accessories take place. Various cultural programmes like dance, music and exhibition marks the celebration. The valley of Kullu reverberates with magic of joy and color during this festive season. A fair is organized near the Jwalamukhi temple of Kangra. Killar and Panai witnesses Phool Yatra or the Flower Festival.