SHIMLA: Shimla’s much-hyped Winter Carnival this year unfolded under an unusually warm Wednesday, with bright sunshine replacing the much-awaited snowfall, leaving Christmas revellers disappointed over the absence of a “white Christmas”.
Yet, the lack of chill did little to dampen spirits as the Colourful Shimla Winter Carnival turned into a warm, high-energy cultural extravaganza, sending festive crowds into a frenzy on Christmas Eve.
From the Ridge to the Mall Road, Shimla wore a festive look, buzzing with tourists, locals and visitors from across the region and the country. The mercury hovered well above normal for this time of the year, prompting many revellers to shed woollens as clear skies dominated the hill town.
The cultural panorama was the real show-stealer. Folk troupes from across Himachal Pradesh brought the state’s rich traditions alive — Thathauair and Hoorki Nati of Chopal and Theog, Luddi of Mandi, Jina Kangre Da of Kangra, Gaddi dance of Chamba, Laddi Ye of Kullu, Kinnari folk of Kinnaur, vibrant performances from Lahaul-Spiti, and the energetic Hatti Nati of Sirmaur.
The rhythmic beats of drums echoed through the town, turning the Ridge and Mall into a sea of colour, movement and music.
Women dancers in traditional attire, swaying to the powerful drum rolls, filled the air with cultural fervour, drawing spontaneous applause and mobile phone cameras from every corner.
The Ridge and Mall Road witnessed milling crowds till late evening, as the carnival atmosphere peaked on Christmas Eve.
The Winter Carnival was formally kicked off by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, accompanied by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh,and Shimla MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surender Chauhan and other dignitaries.
The leaders were seen clicking selfies with visitors in front of the beautifully decorated Christmas trees installed at prominent locations, including Scandal Point, the Mall Road and the Ridge.
While the carnival mood was unmistakable, many tourists expressed disappointment over the missing snowfall, a key attraction traditionally associated with Christmas in Shimla.
“The celebrations are grand, but we came hoping to see snow on Christmas,” said a group of tourists from Delhi.
Despite the missing snow, Shimla’s Winter Carnival proved that culture, colour and crowd energy could still warm up the hill town — even as the winter chill elude them.
