Across the country, participants showcased their art and culture after taking blessings from Goddess Hadimba temple, set the stage of five-day-long Winter Carnival for colourful programmes along with beats of traditional drums and trumpets. Manlai is located at an altitude of about 6500 ft. above mean sea level and is one of the main tourist towns of Kullu valley.
History of Manali Winter Carnival
The winter carnival of Manali began its journey way back in year 1977. It included skiing activities in Solang Nala kept going on uninterrupted and various State and National level competitions have been organized from time to time in addition to the regular courses. Unfortunately this arrangement couldn’t continue beyond regularly it kept on going on and off.
The 12th State Level Winter Carnival 2010 saw several new attractions in the form of Skiing Championship, Himachali Food Festival, Craft Bazaar, Local Band Competition, Folk Dances, Street Plays, Adventure Sports etc,. And In the 13th Carnival once again the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister once again impressed with its performance declared the carnival a national festival.
3rd National Manali Winter Carnival from 2nd-6th Jan 2014
Cultural troupes from various parts of the country took part in procession. Manu Rangshala, an open air amphitheatre in Manali, presented dancing, singing, talent shows and other hundreds of cultural and entertaining programmes for five days. Tourists also got to see culture of many other states like J&K, Maharashtra, MP, Gujarat, Punjab, Assam etc.
The security of this event has been stepped up in the town and movement of all the people is being recorded with help of CCTV. This event is a platform to make tourists apprised of the Himachali culture and tradition.
Large screens were installed on Mall Road where they can see live performances. To make visitors feel the taste of local cuisines, which are not cooked in any restaurant, food stalls have been installed by local mahila mandals and self help groups. Tourists also get the glimpse of weaving industry of Kullu.
Chief minister Virbhadra Singh, who inaugurated the carnival, emphasized upon the preservation of the culture and natural beauty of Kullu district to attract more tourists.
Image Source: Manali Winter Carnival
