Manali Winter Carnival 2025: A Festive Celebration of Culture, Talent, and Adventure.
Manali:
The much-awaited National Level Winter Carnival kicked off in internationally famed tourist place Manali on January 20 with grand celebrations, marking the beginning of an exciting week-long festival that will run until January 24. Inaugurated by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at the picturesque Manurangshala, the carnival is a major cultural event, drawing visitors from across the country to the snow-covered town of Manali.
The inauguration was preceded by the flagging off of the tableaux of the carnival by local MLA Bhuvaneshwar Gaur, near the Circuit House. As the town gears up for an action-packed week, the highlight of this year’s carnival is the much-anticipated Winter Queen contest, where young women from across the region showcase their charm, talent, and cultural knowledge. This contest has emerged as one of the biggest draws, bringing an air of excitement and anticipation to the event.
Another significant attraction is the Voice of Carnival, a talent show that offers budding artists a platform to display their musical and performing arts skills. This event is a stepping stone for many talented locals looking to make a mark in the world of entertainment. The carnival is also hosting a traditional cultural event—Kullvi Mahanati—where local women, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, come together to perform a ceremonial dance at Mall Road, adding a rich cultural flavor to the festivities.
Though the Winter Games, a key feature of the carnival, were unable to be held this year due to a lack of sufficient snow, the event still offers a wide array of activities and performances. Typically, skiing, snowboarding, and snow-sculpting competitions are major attractions, with Solang Valley’s slopes being a popular spot for adventure enthusiasts. This year, however, the absence of snow has shifted the focus to other forms of entertainment and cultural performances.
Despite the limited winter sports activities, the carnival continues to captivate visitors with its diverse celebrations. Local handicraft exhibitions are another major highlight, where artisans display exquisite handmade products like woolen shawls, intricate jewelry, and wooden carvings. Food stalls featuring traditional Himachali delicacies such as siddu and chana madra also entice visitors, offering an authentic taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
With its mix of culture, adventure, and community spirit, the Manali Winter Carnival has become a cornerstone of the region’s winter tourism, attracting thousands of tourists, both domestic and international. The carnival brings together people from various walks of life to enjoy the beauty of the snowy landscape and the warmth of the local culture, making it a must-visit event in Himachal Pradesh. As the festival continues over the next few days, it promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
