First-ever Shimla Winter Carnival begins as tourists throng Himachal Pradesh
The Hindu
Experience the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh at the first-ever Shimla Winter Carnival, boosting tourism activities in the State.
Himachal Pradesh government’s initiative to roll out the first-ever Shimla Winter Carnival is expected to give a fillip to the tourism sector, which has suffered badly since a relentless monsoon brought the hill State to its knees this year and caused extensive damage to life and property.
“This winter carnival in Shimla is a historic moment for the city as it aims to boost tourism activities in the State. The recent monsoon fury had adversely affected Himachal Pradesh’s tourism sector but due to the government’s efforts, the State has recovered from this setback,” said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while inaugurating the 12-day-long festival on Monday. The event started with a cultural parade and a Mahanati (folk dance) performance presented by 450 women from self-help groups.
Amid the Christmas and New Year celebrations, Himachal Pradesh witnessed an influx of 30,000 tourist vehicles in the past couple of days, signalling a promising revival of the tourism industry in the State. As tourists continue to throng the hill State, prominent destinations like Rohtang, Sissu, Manali, and Shimla are witnessing traffic congestion.
“The State government is committed to promoting tourism in the State as it has allocated a substantial ₹3,000 crore budget to the tourism sector, a significant increase from the earlier ₹50 crore. The government has permitted all restaurants, dhabas and food shops in the State to remain open 24 hours from December 20, 2023, to January 5, 2024, to facilitate the people visiting the State,” the Chief Minister added.
The carnival offers local dishes, laser shows, and various cultural programmes, contributing to the celebration of Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage.
Australia activates disaster relief for New South Wales as wildfires threaten properties and infrastructure, with no casualties reported.
Australia’s Pat Cummins confirms he’ll return for the third Ashes Test, easing concerns for the struggling England side.
The Shakespeare Millennium Club in collaboration with the Annai Velankanni Church (Society of St. Vincent De Paul), conducted a Free Medical Camp on November 23, 2025 at the church premises from 9 am to 6 pm, with Dr. Samundi Sankari and Dr. Divya Sivaraman of Srushti Hospitals, Dr. Sharada L N of Aramba, the Kumaran Dental Clinic, Lychee and Satya Physiotherapy Centre, according to a press release.
Hyderabad police support senior citizens living alone, enhancing safety, preventing fraud, and fostering community connections through regular visits.
Explore the vital role of Humanities in fostering critical thinking, empathy, and social harmony amid the STEM-focused higher education landscape.
Tiruvannamalai removes 450 metric tonnes of waste from Maha Deepam day in a two-day cleanup by 2,300 workers.
Chennai Metrowater raises tanker tariffs and removes trip caps to address rising production costs and enhance bulk water supply.
Tamil Nadu commits to enhanced collaboration with the National Green Tribunal for effective environmental governance and protection initiatives.
On Ambedkar's death anniversary, CM Rekha Gupta highlights his enduring ideals of social harmony, equality, and justice.
The Banyan launches the Keshav Desiraju Lived Experience Repository in Chennai to preserve mental illness narratives across various formats.
MetLife Stadium will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19, with 104 matches across North America.
Former IAS officer Pradeep Sharma sentenced to five years for money laundering, causing ₹1.20 crore loss to the government.
The Dr. Mrs. YGP Centenary Annual Festival of Music and Dance launched at PSBB, celebrating classical arts and education.