SHIMLA, 21.01.25-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the cultural evening of the five-day National-Level Sharad-utsav (Winter Carnival, Manali) at Manu Rangshala on Monday evening. Extending greetings to the people on the occasion, the Chief Minister prayed to the local deity Hidimba Mata for well being and prosperity of the people of the state. He said that the art, culture and traditions of the state presents a rich legacy of Himachal and events like Sharad-utsav play a crucial role in preserving this heritage and passing it on to future generations.

This was the third time the Chief Minister participated in the Winter Carnival. He said that the event, which was previously held in early January, has been rescheduled to 20 January to sustain tourist activity in the region beyond the New Year period.

Calling Manali the “Heart of Himachal,” the Chief Minister underlined the commitment of the state government towards enhancing the tourism infrastructure of the town. He said that a tourism development project, approved by the Asian Development Bank, has been launched in Manali. This project includes establishing a wellness centre, refurbishing the Naggar Castle and creating facilities such as an ice skating and a roller skating rink, with an investment of Rs. 150 crore. Additionally, an action plan has been prepared to address the traffic congestion and enhance facilities for the visitors.

The Chief Minister announced Rs. 15 crore for the construction of a bridge connecting Rangdi to the left bank to alleviate traffic at Manali entrance on the request of local MLA. He also announced plans to develop a hot water bath facility, a nature park and other amenities at Kalath, leveraging the natural hot springs in the area.

The Chief Minister also announced an increase in the incentive for women groups who participated in the Carnival's Shobha Yatra to Rs. 30,000. He lauded their efforts in preserving traditional attire and local culinary traditions.

On the occasion, He also honoured the winners of the Ski mountaineering Competition, which aims to promote winter sports and tourism in Manali. In the women’s category, Sakshi Thakur secured first place, followed by Tenzin Dolma and Natasha Mehar in second and third places, respectively. In the men’s category, Hira Lal won first place, while Tenzin Bodh and Giriraj came second and third, respectively.

The Chief Minister attended the cultural programme on the inaugural evening, delighting the audience by singing a few lines of a Hindi song on the request of renowned singer Rajiv Thapa. Later, he strolled along the Mall Road of Manali and interacted with locals and tourists and enjoyed in the vibrant atmosphere.

Manali MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for approving development works worth crores to the area. He said that a multi-crore scheme was already underway to improve sewerage and drinking water facilities in Manali. He also apprised the Chief Minister regarding the needs and demands of the people of Manali Assembly constituency.

Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Raveesh welcomed the Chief Minister and detailed the activities being conducted during the five days bonanza.

HPTDC Chairman RS Bali, MLA's Suresh Kumar, Vinod Sultanpuri and Anuradha Rana, APMC Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti Chairman Mian Ram Singh, representatives of Nagar Parishad and Zila Parishad, Chief Minister's Principal Private Secretary Vivek Bhatia, SP K. Gokul Chandran, senior officers of various departments and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.