Procession marks Manali winter carnival
MC Thakur
MANALI, JANUARY 2
The five-day National Winter Carnival got under way at Manu Rang Shala, popularly known as Ram Bagh, here today. Forests, Transport and Youth Services and Sports Minister Govind Singh Thakur inaugurated the event.
Earlier, a special pooja was performed at the Hidimba Devi temple. Local folk artistes in their traditional dresses and the artistes drawn from different parts of the country assembled at the Circuit House compound. Flagged off by Govind Singh Thakur, they took out a colourful procession to the Mall Road.
The procession consisted of fascinating tableaux displaying folk art, folk culture and lifestyle of the people of the Kullu valley. Cultural groups from other states also participated and made the event more meaningful. Hundreds of artistes of the local mahila mandals and yuvak mandals participated. Various NGOs and government departments also took part in the celebrations. The cultural procession culminated at Manu Rangshala, the venue of the carnival.
A large number of locals, including tourists, thronged the Manali town to have a glimpse of the blend of tradition, culture, and ancient lifestyle of the Kullu valley. Braving biting cold, tourists and local people, standing on the both sides of the road from Circuit House to the Manu Rang Shala, enjoyed the colourful tableaux and procession. Hundreds of tourists were also seen clicking photos with locals artists dressed in their traditional attire and ornaments.
While addressing public gathering at Manu Rangshala, an open air theatre, the minister said tourists visiting Manali would be welcomed by offering flower. He said this initiative would be started by Manali taxi union. “All people associated with the tourism trade are requested to deal decently with tourists and honour them so that they take back sweet memories with them” he said.
He praised women for actively participating in the carnival and making the event successful. He announced to increase the amount given to each mahila mandal for participating in cultural processions and also announced to increase the cash prize in various competitions. Kullu Deputy Commissioner Yunus, who is chairman of Winter Carnival Committee, welcomed the chief guest and the participants from Himachal and other states.
Cultural feast for tourists
- A large number of locals, including tourists, thronged the Manali town to have a glimpse of tradition, culture, and ancient lifestyle of the Kullu valley
- Braving biting cold, tourists and locals, standing on both sides of the road from Circuit House to the Manu Rangshala, enjoyed the colourful tableaux and procession
- Hundreds of tourists were also seen clicking photos with locals artistes dressed in their traditional attire and ornaments
