Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday inaugurated Lahaul Sharad Utsav, a traditional winter festival spanning over two months, showcasing the vibrant culture and heritage of the region.

The festival, celebrated post-snowfall, brings together diverse local customs and traditions from various valleys, offering a plethora of activities ranging from archery and other snow sports to culinary delights and knitting competitions.

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Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Lahaul Sharad Utsav was a major tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors every year.

He commended the people of Lahaul and Spiti district for their warm hospitality and steadfast commitment to preserving cultural legacy.

“Five new tourist destinations would be developed in the upcoming fiscal year in the tribal districts including Chandratal, Kaza and Tandi of Lahaul and Spiti and Rackchham and Nako-Chango-Khab of Kinnaur district,” he said.

He emphasized the pivotal role of the tourism sector in driving the state’s economy and providing employment as well as entrepreneurial opportunities to the locals.

The Chief Minister also launched ‘Discover Lahaul Spiti’ mobile application, an innovative initiative spearheaded by the district administration.

He said that the application features modern AI integration, which includes an interactive Chatbot designed to assist tourists in exploring the district’s attractions, availability of accommodations, and activities.

“Through the app, tourists can access a plethora of features, ranging from detailed guides to off-the-beaten-path destinations, all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the district’s rich tapestry. The app could be downloaded via QR code,” said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister praised the administration’s efforts and highlighted the app’s capacity to reveal undiscovered treasures and remote areas of Lahaul Spiti.

He said that this initiative would not only attract tourists to the region but also generate employment opportunities and foster economic growth.

During his one-day visit to Lahaul Spiti district, Sukhu laid the foundation stone of 11 development projects to the tune of Rs 70.07 crore.