1K women perform nati in Manali

In a vibrant display of culture and solidarity, hundreds of women from the Left Bank area of Manali marked International Women’s Day by performing a spectacular ‘Maha Nati’ on the town’s iconic Mall Road today. Dressed in traditional Kullvi attire, the women used the platform to spread powerful social messages, advocating for a drug-free society and highlighting the priceless value of daughters.

The event was a rescheduled affair, originally planned during the National Winter Carnival but postponed due to heavy snowfall in January. The Mahila Mandals of the Right Bank area had performed the ‘Maha Nati’ on January 21. The beautiful weather today allowed nearly 1,000 women from 115 mandals and self-help groups (SHG) to finally take centre stage. Adorned in the distinctive white ‘Pattu’ with three flowers, silver ‘Boomni’ necklaces, ‘Chandrahar’, ‘Panjebs’, gold lockets, and the traditional red ‘Dhaathu’, the women danced for nearly an hour.

The atmosphere was electric as the women performed on the beats of traditional musical instruments and local Pahari songs. The long line of dancers stretched from Rambagh Chowk to the Durga Temple, creating a mesmerising spectacle that proved irresistible to tourists. Visitors stopped in their tracks, pulling out their mobile phones to capture the historic moment, with many spontaneously joining the dancers to match their steps.

According to the carnival committee, the performance was more than just a dance. It was a medium to raise awareness on critical issues. Through their rhythmic movements, the participants conveyed messages such as plant trees, create a drug-free society, keep Himachal clean, women’s empowerment and the national call to ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.’

Later in the afternoon, the celebrations moved to the Manu Rangshala, where local MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur honoured the participants. He distributed incentive checks of Rs 35,000 each to 299 mahila mandals and SHGs for their enthusiastic participation in the Winter Carnival. Addressing the gathering, the MLA praised the state government’s efforts towards women’s welfare and expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister. He noted that under the current administration, the incentive amount for women’s groups has been significantly increased from Rs 8,000 to Rs 35,000 within just four years.