2-month Lahaul Sharad Utsav inaugurated

Mandi, February 25

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu today inaugurated the Lahaul Sharad Utsav at Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district. The traditional winter festival showcasing the culture and heritage of the region spans over two months.

The festival, celebrated post-snowfall, brings together diverse local customs and traditions from various valleys, offering a plethora of activities ranging from archery and other snow sports to culinary delights and knitting competitions.

Sukhu, while addressing the gathering, said that the Sharad Utsav was a major tourist attraction that draws thousands of visitors every year.

He said that five new tourist destinations, namely Chandratal, Kaza and Tandi in Lahaul and Spiti and Rackcham and Nako-Chango-Khab of Kinnaur district would be developed in the coming fiscal year. He added the pivotal role played by the tourism sector in driving the state’s economy and providing employment as well as entrepreneurial opportunities to the locals.

Sukhu also launched the ‘Discover Lahaul-Spiti’ mobile application, an innovative initiative spearheaded by the district administration. He said the application featured modern AI integration, which included an interactive Chatbot designed to assist tourists in exploring the district’s attractions, availability of accommodation and other related activities.