Cultural procession taken out with fanfare as Winter Carnival kicks off

The five-day national-level Winter Carnival at Manali officially began today with a cultural procession flagged off by Manali MLA Bhuvaneshwar Gaur. The event witnessed participation from over 260 mahila mandals, who marched in traditional Kulluvi attire. A series of tableaux representing various states also featured in the procession, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The cultural procession, however, was delayed due to adverse weather conditions that prevented Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu from arriving on time. However, the Chief Minister arrived in Manali by evening to inaugurate the cultural event at Manurangshala, where various cultural activities were already underway.

The morning procession commenced with MLA Bhuvaneshwar Gaur at the helm. Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana was also present on the occasion. Earlier in the day, Gaur took part in a ceremonial Puja at Hadimba Temple, offering prayers to seek blessings for the success of the event. The Winter Carnival, a major attraction for tourists and locals alike, has been drawing large crowds, with visitors flocking to the Mall Road to experience the festivities.

In addition to the cultural programme, several development projects are scheduled for inauguration and foundation-laying ceremonies during the Chief Minister’s visit. These include key infrastructure projects aimed at boosting tourism and improving local facilities, which are expected to bring long-term benefits to the region.

The carnival has transformed Manali into a vibrant hub of activity, with tourists enjoying the performances, cultural displays and other festivities. As the event progresses, engrossing performances and exhibitions are expected to keep the crowds engaged throughout the week.