Stage set for 5-day Manali winter carnival from today

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Manali, January 1

The town is all set to welcome tourists with cultural bonanza from tomorrow following the start of the five-day winter carnival where the tourists can enjoy the local and western cultural programme at the Manu Rangshala stage.

The main attraction will be the beauty contest for the Manali winter queen, where participants will display their talent and beauty.

On the first day, a colorful cultural procession will be held in the town in which a number of Mahila Mandal members will take part.

Apart from this, women, dressed up in traditional attire, will take part in a fashion show and folk dance to promote local culture. Singing and dance competitions will be held.

To ensure the active involvement of women in sports and entertainment for the tourist, a tug-of-war competition will be held.

Since yesterday, the town has been experiencing a heavy influx of tourists’ vehicles, which choked the road, causing a long traffic jam.

Event dedicated to cattle menace

The winter carnival will be dedicated to protecting the stray cattle. Kullu DC Yunus Khan said, “During the opening ceremony of the event, we will spread the message to protect stray cattle.” He stated that a helpline number would be issued in this regard. The purpose of the helpline number would be to get the information about stray cattle and these would be shifted to Gau Sadan.