Manali: Inaugurated by making offerings and worshipping at the Hadimba Devi temple of Dhungri, the winter carnival got off to a colourful start with a cultural procession by the teams participating in the festival here on Monday
Sudhir Sharma, urban development minister after inaugurating the festival announced plans and projects for beautification of Manali to make it more attractive for tourists.
On the first day of the 5 day carnival as many as 77 mahila mandals (women clubs), government agencies and participating cultural troupes from different states participated in the procession that showcased a colourful cultural heritage.
On the occasion the minister announced Rs 3 crore for improving the sewerage system of Manali and another Rs 60 lakhs for proper parking arrangements in the tourist township.
Started many years ago, the Manali Winter Carnival over time has grown in stature and has become an important festive engagement that attracts many youth clubs, university students and tourists to part take of the winter beauty of this river side tourist hub in the Himalayas.
For the Carnival this year, there are 34 teams from all over the country who are participating in competitive events by putting up performances to be adjudged by a panel of judges.
The carnival adds fun and entertainment to the monotonous life of the people of Manali in winters.
Sanjay Dutta, an engineer by qualification but is a journalist by choice.
He has worked for the premier new agency Press Trust of India and leading English daily Indian Express.
With more than a decade of experience, he has been highlighting issues related to environment, tourism and other aspects affecting mountain ecology.
Sanjay Dutta lives in a village close to Manali in Kullu valley of Himachal.
