Cultural parade marks beginning of Manali winter carnival

Abhinav Vashisht

Kullu, January 2

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday opened the five-day national winter carnival in Manali by flagging off a cultural parade. Earlier, he performed ‘puja’ at Hadimba Devi temple.

The Chief Minister said initially, the carnival was started to promote the state’s culture through the presentation of folk dances and music. With the passage of time, many other activities had been added to it. Over the years, it had also gained popularity among foreign tourists.

More than 120 mahila mandals (of the area participated in the procession taken out on the first day. They were carrying the messages of cleanliness, drug abuse, women empowerment, awareness against female foeticide and environment conservation.

Thakur said Kullu was probably the best district in the state in preserving and conserving the rich cultural heritage. On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced a PWD division for Manali. He announced to upgrade Middle School, Bastori, to High School, Rs 85 lakh for the building of GSSS, Palchan, and Rs 20 lakh for Primary School, Palchan.

Thakur said a science block would be constructed at Senior Secondary School, Naggar. A new auditorium would also come up in 

the town.

He announced Rs 8,000 each for the mahila mandals participating in this carnival. Earlier, they used to get 

Rs 6,000.

Thakur announced to give Rs 1 lakh from his discretionary funds for cultural events. He also released a calendar brought out by the state Forest Department.

Forest and Transport Minister Govind Thakur said the one-year tenure of the state government had been full of achievements. Under the leadership of Jai Ram Thakur, several initiatives had been taken for the welfare and development of the state.

MP Ram Swaroop Sharma said the winter carnival was a symbol of the rich culture and tradition of the area. He thanked the mahila mandals of the area for their active participation.

Kullu Deputy Commissioner Yunus Khan highlighted various activities being undertaken during the carnival. The recitation of Vande Mataram by a large number of people was the main attraction of the day. Among others present on the occasion were former MP Maheshwar Singh, HPMC vice-chairman Ram Singh, BJP Mahila Morcha state general secretary Dhaneshwari Thakur and district BJP president Bheem Sen. 

Announcements 

• Manali to have a division of the PWD
• Middle School, Bastori, to be upgraded
• Rs 85 lakh for the building of GSSS, Palchan
• Rs 20 lakh for Primary School, Palchan
• Science block at Senior Secondary School, Naggar
• A new auditorium to be constructed in the town