SHIMLA — The third annual Shimla Winter Carnival has begun drawing visitors from pollution-hit cities, especially Delhi, as tourists seek cleaner air, pleasant weather and festive celebrations in the Himalayan hill station ahead of Christmas and the New Year.
The Winter Carnival, which runs from December 24 to January 1, is expected to be a major attraction during the peak winter season, offering cultural programmes, traditional dance performances, food stalls, children’s activities, sports events and open-air entertainment.
Tourists arriving from Delhi and other urban centres told reporters they were enjoying the refreshing, clean air and clear views in Shimla, a stark contrast to the heavy pollution and smog affecting cities like the national capital this winter. “There is no pollution here; everything is clean,” said one visitor from Delhi, praising both the weather and the carnival atmosphere.
The Shimla Municipal Corporation organises the festival and will be inaugurated by the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister. Officials say the event aims to showcase the state’s rich culture, promote local artists and create a vibrant festive environment for both residents and tourists.
Mayor Surinder Chauhan said the carnival also carries messages such as drug-abuse awareness and emphasises themes like “Clean Shimla, Green Shimla.” Special selfie points and arrangements for Christmas and New Year entertainment have been set up to enhance visitor experiences.
With increasing footfall each year, Shimla’s tourism sector is gearing up to handle the seasonal rise in visitors. The district administration has also put in place special law-and-order and traffic management plans to ensure safety and smooth movement during the festivities.
Analysts say that the Winter Carnival, along with Shimla’s relatively better air quality compared with heavily polluted plains, is helping attract more tourists during the festive season, making it a key part of the region’s winter tourism strategy.
#bookmybooking #news #newyearholidays #christmasholidays #travelupdate #shimla #newyearevents
