Shimla Winter Carnival resumes today with Sartaj’s performance

The second edition of the Shimla Winter Carnival, postponed to mourn the passing of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, will resume on January 2. The highlight of the carnival is a performance by renowned Punjabi singer Satinder Sartaj on Thursday. Originally scheduled for the final night, Sartaj’s performance will now take center stage along with performances by Bollywood singers and Himachali folk artistes.

Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan announced that the carnival, initially disrupted, will now conclude on January 8. While cultural programmes were postponed to honour Dr Manmohan Singh, the carnival stalls remained operational.

The Shimla Winter Carnival was launched after the resounding success of its inaugural edition in 2023. The event, organised by the Municipal Corporation, features decorations at prominent tourist spots like The Mall and The Ridge, illuminated with lights and bustling with activity at various stalls. A host of cultural programs was planned to entertain both tourists and locals.

Inaugurated by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the carnival initially drew large crowds from across the country. However, the absence of live music and cultural events on New Year’s Eve due to the mourning period impacted the town’s celebrations. Despite this, tourists celebrated the New Year by singing and dancing on their own, showcasing the town’s lively spirit.

The carnival is now set to regain its charm with rescheduled performances and promises to offer a memorable experience for visitors and residents alike.