International Himalayan Festival is celebrated in the Kangra District of Himachal, in the month of December. The festival is organized as a commemoration of the event when the Nobel Peace prize was awarded to His Holiness The Dalai Lama in 1985. This event holds significance since it is a sign of international recognition to his peace initiatives. International Himalayan Festival is sponsored by Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society, in collaboration with the Central Tibetan Administration and the Department of Tourism of Himachal Pradesh.
It stretches on for a period of three days and is kicked off from the main shrine at McLeodganj. The festival is aimed at strengthening ties and harmony between the natives of Himachal Pradesh and the Tibetans living there. The highlights of the International Himalayan Festival comprises of cultural shows and performances, mainly by the artistes of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, local artists, cultural troupes and school children. The festival also serves as a major attraction for the tourists visiting the state.