District administration ramps up preparations as Lahaul & Spiti snow festival nears

Dipender Manta

Mandi, February 17

In a bid to promote tourism and preserve local culture, the district administration of the tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti has geared up preparations for the snow festival set to start from February 19.

Deputy Commissioner (Lahaul & Spiti) Rahul Kumar said, “With the aim of promoting tourism and local culture in Lahaul valley, it has been decided that the snow festival will commence on February 19 at the Lata Thakur Memorial Stadium. Special programmes and competitions will take place at many other locations across the district such as Gondla, Jispa, Tod, Khangsar, Sissu and Koksar. A celebration is proposed to take place on February 24 at the Police Ground, Keylong.”

“The main attractions of the festival include departmental exhibitions, traditional artefacts, handicrafts and handlooms, traditional food stalls and cultural music programmes.” he added.

“Competitions for snow-craft, archery, weaving, tug-of-war, badminton and volleyball will be organised at various places in Lahaul with the participation of local people. The winning teams will be felicitated,” the DC said. According to the DC, ice skating, snowboarding and snow marathon events would be held at the end of March. Dates that have not been finalised would be decided upon keeping the weather in mind, he added.

“Local women’s groups, youth groups and emerging artistes will be given opportunities during the cultural programmes in a bid to preserve the traditions, customs and culture of the valley. Instrumental musicians will be invited for the event, and a seminar on tribal customs and traditions will also take place at the Tribal Museum, Keylong,” the DC said.