The North News
Shimla, December 24
Music, colour and tradition filled the streets of Shimla on Wednesday as the city launched its nine-day Winter Carnival, one of Himachal Pradesh’s flagship cultural events. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the celebrations by flagging off cultural troupes dressed in traditional attire and accompanied by local instruments.
A highlight of the opening ceremony was a large Maha Nati, performed by women artists carrying the message of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. The Chief Minister joined the dance, drawing applause from residents and visitors gathered at the venue.
Speaking on the occasion, Sukhu said the carnival was designed to showcase Himachal Pradesh’s cultural heritage while also boosting winter tourism. He appealed to tourists from across the country to visit the hill state and experience its clean environment, folk traditions and hospitality.
Throughout the carnival, Mall Road and the Ridge will host folk performers, magicians and street artists, while specially curated selfie points have been set up to attract visitors. The opening cultural evening will feature performances by Sa Re Ga Ma Pa singer Payal Thakur and Punjabi singer Rohanpreet Singh.
Officials said security and traffic arrangements have been strengthened for the duration of the festival. Shimla has been divided into five sectors for crowd management, with overall responsibility resting with the Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) and sector-wise officers deployed on duty.
