Manali to host Winter Carnival with new attractions from Jan 2
Manali MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur announced that the 13th National-level Winter Carnival 2025 will be organised with a fresh outlook. While presiding over a meeting regarding the event, he stated that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will inaugurate the five-day-long carnival on January 2.
In a bid to boost income, tambola games will start in December, and additional plots will be allotted in the bus stand and Nehru Park areas. The iconic Mall Road will be adorned with colourful lights, and a stage will be set up for cultural performances showcasing the rich heritage of Kullu and Himachal Pradesh. If snowfall occurs during this period, winter sports competitions will be organised to enhance the experience.
Key attractions include the Winter Queen Pageant, Voice of Carnival, the traditional maha nati, and a fashion show highlighting Himachali costumes by Mahila Mandals. Cultural troupes from the North Zone Cultural Centre Patiala and various districts will perform at Manu Rangshala, accompanied by colorful tableaux and programs by local Mahila Mandals. Sports competitions like volleyball, basketball, and tug-of-war will add to the excitement.
MLA Gaur emphasised the carnival’s goal of promoting tourism in Manali and Kullu while fostering greater participation from villagers. He hinted at potential changes in the event’s timing based on local demand. Auditions for the Winter Queen Pageant and Voice of Carnival will be held across Himachal Pradesh and other states.
To ensure the event’s success, various committees have been formed, and members have been instructed to complete preparations on time. Around Rs 1.2 crore was spent on last year’s Carnival, underlining the scale of the event.
Manali SDM Raman Kumar Sharma and officers from various departments attended the planning meeting, pledging support for the carnival’s smooth execution.
