The five-day long 8th National Winter Carnival-2019 began in Manali in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh with Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur flagging off parade from Circuit House and performing Pooja at the famous Hidimba Mata temple to inaugurate the festivities.

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The Manali Winter Carnival is organised every year from January 2 to 6. Addressing the gathering, Thakur said a number of activities during this occasion have increased and the festival has gained popularity amongst the foreign tourists as well. “Manali has been the host of the grand Himachal Winter Carnival ever since the festival was initiated. The popularity of this tourist destination and ease of accessibility is what makes Manali a perfect venue for the carnival,” he added.

He said the Winter Carnival has got better with time. Initially, it promoted the culture of the state by means of folk dances and music. However, with the passage of time, many other activities have also been added to the list.

Thakur said it was heartening to know that over 120 Mahila Mandals of the area participated in the procession on different themes such as cleanliness, drug abuse, Gau Sanrakshan, awareness regarding female foeticide, and environment conservation etc. These vital messages were emphatically presented by the women. Kullu district was probably the best district of the state in preserving and conserving the rich cultural repository of the district.

He said the present state government has completed one year in office and this one year has not only witnessed a change in the whole generation but has been a period filled with several milestones.

“Prime Minister appreciated the steps taken by the government for the development of the state, particularly the Jan Manch programme,” he said, adding, over 20000 grievances have been redressed under this programme.

Himachal has also been able to get projects worth Rs 9,500 crore sanctioned for the state from Centre during last year. “During the untimely snow and rains the Union government provided seven helicopters to rescue the people stranded in Lahaul valley and Holi in Chamba district,” he added.