Shimla Winter Carnival off to colourful start

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the second edition of Winter Carnival in Shimla, saying such events and festivals depicted the rich culture and traditions of the state.

Advertisement

The CM participated in Mahanati, a Himachali traditional folk dance, on the Mall on the occasion and also flagged off a cultural parade in which culture of 11 districts of the state was showcased.

Speaking on the occasion, Sukhu said it was the present state government which started Winter Carnivals in Shimla and Dharamsala. He said the Winter carnival in Manali was also being organised by the government on large scale. “The state government is making earnest efforts to harness the tourism potential of the state so that more and more tourists are attracted to the state, thereby making it a favoured tourist destination."

The CM also said that the government had issued a notification regarding the opening of restaurants and other eatable shops round the clock from December 23 to January 5 so that tourists and visitors did not face any inconvenience during their stays in the state. He said the state government would provide all logistic assistance to the tourists. He urged the visitors to enjoy the carnival and snowfall. He also made a fervent appeal to all to keep the state polythene-free by using dustbins.

Sukhu expressed the hope that hilly areas of the state, including Shimla, would get another spell of snowfall during Christmas and New Year, which would be an added attraction for the tourists. He said he was optimistic that there would be a good snowfall during this winter which goes a long way in recharging our water sources. He extended his good wishes to the Municipal Corporation and the District Administration of Shimla for organising this festival in a befitting manner.

Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, MLA Harish Janartha, Vice-Chairman HIMUDA Yashwant Chhajta, Mayor MC Shimla Surender Chauhan, DC Shimla Anupam Kashyap and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Thousands of tourists and locals had reached the Ridge and the Mall to witness the Carnival. Tourists were also seen enjoying at the two places even during the evening when the town received slight rainfall. The inaugural night of the carnival featured performances by India Got Talent Season 9 finalists Crazy Hoppers as well as Bollywood playback singer Shabab Sabri.