Winter Carnival Manali

Winter Carnival Manali is celebrated every year from 2nd to 6th January. The five days Carnival shows rich Himachali culture. After the blessings from Hadimba Temple, carnival kicks off with Jhankis from Hadimba Temple to Mall Road Manali in which various participants from all over India takes part. All Mahila Madals of Upper Kullu Valley also participate in this festival and make the atmosphere colorful by their woolen attire. Various food counters serves local dishes during carnival which are run by local ladies and NGO’s.

First Winter Carnival of Manali was inaugurated in 1977 by Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Late Dr. Y.S. Parmar. That time main motive behind Winter Carnival was to promote winter games in Manali and Shri Harnam Singh, founder of WHMI (currently known as Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports) was the man behind this. As a result of this, Solang Ski slopes produces lots of skiing champions every year which participate world wide and make us proud. Earlier the celebration dates of carnival was not fixed as it was connect with winter sports activities, but form few years it is celebrated every year on 2nd January.

The cultural events are organized at Manu Rang Shala (Ram Bagh) during carnival which attracts lots of Indian and foreigner tourists. These five days are full of musical and dance events, street shows, games and much more. Andcarnival concluded with Winter Queen Contest.

Carnival committee always tries to make this event world famous by improvising different ideas and activities. This year highlights of carnival was participation of local women in a dance form of Kullu called Lalharhi (Old dance form in which no musical instruments are played only performed on songs).

Hopefully these types of events will keep alive our rich culture.

For any information regarding Winter Carnival Manali, one can contact below:

Executive Officer, Manali District Kullu, Himachal Pradesh Ph. 01902-252363.