Winter Carnival 2014 kicks off in Manali
Manali
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.
Winter Carnival
A tableau in Winter Carnival Manali – 2014
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.
Cultural Troop
Cultural troupe from Assam in Winter Carnival, Manali
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 demand to increase the capacity of Manu Rangshala which has congested due
to increasing population, he directed Kullu administration to search for a new
land in town where the Rangshala could be relocated. He also declared opening
of Hamta pass for tourism activities.
Manali Winter Carnival
Manali Winter Carnival: Women in traditional Himachal dress
Kullu deputy commissioner Rakesh Kanwar who is also the president of the carnival organizing
committee said tourists and locals can enjoy folk dances, western dances,
fashion shows, singing competitions, laughter shows, winter queen contest and
variety of other programmes. “Winter Carnival is a platform to make tourists
apprised of the Himachali culture and tradition. All arrangements have been
made for their entertainment for five days,” he said.
Kullu
superintendent of police Vinod K Dhawan said security has been stepped up in
the town and movement of all the people is being recorded in CCTV cameras.

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