Dialect
The native dialect of Kullu Valley is 'Kulluvi'. Dr. Greyson of 'Linguistic Survey of India' considers the dialect of Kullu as the basis of the dialects of Mandi, Kangra and Chamba districts. Kulluvi has a rich tradition of folk literature rooted in the ancient (Puranic) tradition of the Aryans. During the period of feudal states, Kullu literature was written in Tankri script. Tankri became famous in 17th century. During ancient times, Tankri was the script of the Royal Courts. All the official documents were written in Tankri script, but as the Royal Courts vanished, this script also started disappearing. Tankri originated from Sharda script (one of the ancient script used in Kashmir region). Even before that Devanagari script (the source script for Hindi language) was in vogue.

Custom and Rituals
There is something that links your present to the past, something that even the fangs of time haven't been able to change; these are the age old customs of Kullu valley. The customs prevalent in the valley exist in their pure form and haven't been adulterated with the passing time. It is something people of Kullu Valley would like to cherish and preserve forever.

The local ethics acquaint one with the sweet fragrance of the soil of Kullu. The birth ceremonies preserve in them the innocent happiness of the arrival of a new member in the family. On the other hand the marriage customs always show the uniqueness in them. The death rituals of the valley are same as those practiced in the rest of India.

These customs and rituals portray the innocence of the inhabitants and the devotion with which they are performed. This makes them unique.

Beliefs
The natives of Kullu valley have developed enduring faith in the Supreme Being. Any vital decision they take is directed by the God's will. It may be marriage fixing, starting a new business or construction of a house. People advance every step of their life, after seeking permission of the deities.

Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Bijli Mahadev, Juani Mahadev, Jageshar Mahadev and Shensher Mahadev. Brahma and Vishnu are worshipped as local deities.

Manu, Beas, Vashishtha, Kapil, Parshuram and Narad are the sages worshipped in the valley. These sages realized the sanctity of the valley and settled here. Through their knowledge, bravery and good deeds they acquired the position of God during the epic period.

The system of prayer in the temples of local deities is very different and is not according to the shastras (ancient scriptures). The custom of animal sacrifice is still prevalent in this region. Sacrifices are also made to calm the evil spirits.

Climate of a place influences the native's style of living, their food and their attire. Due to the chill weather almost for the complete year, warm clothes are used more in Kullu Valley.

Clothes:
The clothes of the people have changed with time. Presently people of Manali wear dress common in any part of the country but still in some areas people wear the traditional dress.

Traditional Dress of Men

Chola- Chola is a long woolen coat with pleats.
Dora- Dora is a piece of cloth which is tied on the waist and is served as a belt.
Suthan- Suthan is something like a tight pant.
Topa: Topa is a black cap.
Topi- It is now known as Kullu Cap. It is a colorful cap made out of woollen cloth with a Kulluvi designed band around it.
Lachhoo- Lachhoo is a blanket used to cover the shoulders.
Chadder- Chadder or Loi is a gents shawl. It is mostly in grey, white, cream and brown in color.

Traditional Dress of Women

Pattoo - It is a traditional dress of the local women. It is thicker and heavier than shawls, with fast and bright colors. Women wear pattoo over their clothes and pin both ends with local silver broaches called 'boomini', which is a long silver chain. It covers the whole body and a piece of cloth is tied around the waist called gachchi, which acts as a belt.
Dhatu or Thipu - Dhatu or Thipu is a square piece of cloth used to cover the head.
Shawls - These shawls are world famous because of their beautiful intricate designs and bright colors.
Pullas - Pullas are footwear like the bedroom slippers made out of hemp (fibre extracted from Marijuana stem). Very colorful designs are made on the upper portion with colored wollen threads.