Year: 2014

MANALI: With about 50 tableaus from across the country, escorted by beats of traditional drums and trumpets,  showcased their art and culture after taking blessings from Goddess Hadimba temple, set the stage of five-day-long Winter Carnival for colourful programmes on Thursday. Third national Winter Carnival, which is being celebrated since 1977 with purpose to attract more and more tourists during off-season, drew attention of both tourists and local residents. The cultural processions started from circuit house and ended at Mall Road. Hundreds of tourists thronged both sides of the Mall Road to witness the blend of art, culture and ancient living style of people of Kullu. In addition to about 40 mahila mandals of Kullu, over 25 cultural troupes from various parts of the country took part in procession. Similar cultural processions of tableaus would come on the road every day for five days. Manu Rangshala, an open air amphitheatre in Manali, will present dancing, singing, talent shows and other hundreds of cultural and entertaining programmes for five days. Tourists also got to see culture of Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP, Punjab, J&K, Assam and many other states. Women of local mahila mandals depicted the ancient village lifestyle of Kullu and also sent message to save environment, women empowerment besides presenting ancient techniques of agriculture in Kullu. For the convenience of tourists, large screens have been installed on Mall Road where they can see live performances. To make them 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. Years after