Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday inaugurated the Shimla Winter Carnival at the historic Ridge, organised by the Shimla Municipal Corporation. The event was launched with a vibrant cultural parade featuring folk troupes from across all districts of Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister also visited the painting exhibition at the Gaiety Theatre, witnessed the Maha Nati performance, and attended the Home Guards Inter-Battalion Band Competition near the Town Hall. He congratulated the organisers and wished them success for the carnival, themed ‘Drug-Free Himachal’.
Welcoming tourists to Himachal Pradesh, Sukhu highlighted the State’s serene, pollution-free environment, which promotes peace, recreation, and good health. Interacting with visitors, he assured them of a smooth and comfortable stay.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Himachal’s scenic beauty and picturesque valleys attract millions of tourists every year. While strengthening tourism infrastructure, the government is also promoting the State’s rich cultural heritage through events like the Winter Carnival in Shimla, with a similar carnival organised in Dharamshala.
Sukhu noted that such events strengthen the local economy, with tourist arrivals steadily increasing. To further promote eco-tourism, the State Government has notified a revised Eco-Tourism Policy, allotting 11 eco-tourism sites and finalizing the allotment of 27 additional sites. From 2023 to November 2025, nearly ₹6 crore has been generated through eco-tourism activities.
For home-stay promotion, an interest subsidy scheme has been launched, along with an online portal for registration. Additionally, the Tourism Investment Promotion Council has been constituted to attract investments in the sector.
The inauguration was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh, MLAs Harish Janartha and Vivek Sharma, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, and other dignitaries including senior officials of the State Government and Shimla Municipal Corporation.
The Shimla Winter Carnival continues to offer a mix of cultural, artistic, and recreational attractions, reinforcing the city’s position as the ‘Queen of Hills’ and a vibrant winter tourism hub.
