Manali: All roads lead to Manali. The five long Winter Carnival of Kullu Colours and Culture got to a flying start in this tourist town today. Festival offers a smorgasbord of rich cuisine, culture and the winter ski sports for the tourists zeroing in on here from across the country.
The chief guest of the festival, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur offered prayers at Hadimba temple and flagged off the Carnival parade in the tourist town that captured eyes of tourists from across the country.
Amid the beats and echoes of music instruments, a cavalcade of tableaus presented by Kullu village women, showcasing their traditional woollen handicrafts hands-on, came as a feast for the hordes of tourists and other visitors.
But Manali's eminent Bollywood star Kangna Ranaut, who has made Manali her home did not find time for this national level carnival that would have added a new glamour for promotion of tourism in lean winter season, say locals. Kargil war hero Brig Kushal Thakur, now a BJP politician was here, but what happened to Kangan Ranaut, she could have airdashed here and volunteered herself to promote Himachal, they remarked.
Even Chief Minister and people of Himachal rallyed behind during her bad days in Maharashtra when the Thakre Government pulled down her studio. HP police provided her security. She could have paid back by promoting Himachal in Mumbai and Outside, commented locals.
Chief Minister also laid foundation stone of developmental projects worth Rs 41 crore and opened Swarnim Van Mahotsav there. He inaugurated the Rs 16.93 crore Bhekhli-Jindaud-Biasar road from Ramshila highway, Rs 3.97 crore Mari-Gadherni-Shaleen road, the Rs 1.78 crore bridge over Haripur Nalah.
He also opened Rs 50 lakh an artificial rock climbing wall at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institute Manali and Rs 50 lakh Manali Range Office building. He also opened Rs 3 Crore Nature Park Beas-Bihal and Rs 26 lakh Swarnim Vatika Kothi.
Jai Ram Thakur laid the foundation stone of Hamta-Chikka Forest Inspection Road to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 30 lakh, jeepable bridge over Khanaura Nallah to be constructed with an expenditure of Rs. 89 lakh and motarable bridge over Beas river at Bahang to be constructed at a cost of Rs.12 crore.
Addressing the public meeting, he said with the construction of new bridges and roads in the valley, various places would be developed as tourist places, which would boost tourism in the area.
He said rockclimbing wall would facilitate adventure sports enthusiasts and strengthened adventure tourism activities in Manali. The Beas Bihal Nature Park would provide clean and beautiful natural environment to tourists, besides providing employment opportunities to the local people.
He said that keeping in view the importance of forests, the state government is laying emphasis on expansion and strengthening of forest area. As many as 4,38,12,000 saplings have been planted during various Van Mahotsav organised during four years in the state.
Jai Ram Thakur also observed the tableaux presented by Mahila Mandals, various departments and institutions on the occasion.
Chief Minister announced Rs. 2 crore 50 lakh for construction of bridge over Kathi Nallah, Rs. 1.22 crore for bridge to be built in Grahan village, upgradation of Government High School Jindaur to Senior Secondary School and upgradation of Government Middle School Meha to Government High School. He also announced Rs. 10 lakh from his voluntary fund for organizing the Winter Carnival.
He also honoured Anchal Thakur of Manali for winning bronze medal in the International Skiing Competition held in Montenegro, Europe. She has also won a medal in international slalom event earlier.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the cultural programme at Manu Rangshala.
Thanking Chief Minister for initiating different projects in Manali, Education minister and Manali legislature Govind Singh Thakur said the Winter Carnival Manali promotes tourism, trade, help protects traditional crafts and culture. It provides a platform to various artistes coming from different states to showcase their talent, he added.
Chairman, Municipal council, Chaman Kapoor welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries on the occasion.
Among the eminent participants in the national level carnival were the Kargil war hero, Brig (retd) Khushal Thakur, MLA Banjar Surender Shourie, HPMC vice-president Ram Singh, state BJP vice-president Dhameshwari Thakur including Deputy commissioner Ashutosh Garg, Superintendent of police Gurdev Sharma, SDM Manali Surender Thakur, District BJP president Bhim Sen Sharma, Zila Parishad member and State President of Wrestling Association Chander Mohan and others also participated in the carnival.
