Kangra Valley Carnival Officially Recognized as Government Festival
Historic Recognition for Kangra Valley Carnival
Dharamshala - Devendra Jaggi, the former Mayor of the Dharamshala Municipal Corporation, expressed pride in the recent announcement that the Himachal Pradesh government has officially designated the Kangra Valley Carnival as a government festival. This significant development means that the carnival will now take place annually from December 24 to 31 at the Police Grounds in Dharamshala.
Previously, the carnival was organized by the district administration, often struggling with budget limitations and inconsistent scheduling. It was sometimes held in September or November, which created uncertainty for tourists and diminished the event's appeal.
With this new government endorsement, the festival will receive guaranteed funding and will be a staple on the state's official annual calendar. Jaggi highlighted that setting the dates from December 24 to 31 is a strategic choice, aligning with the Christmas and New Year holidays when many domestic and international visitors flock to Dharamshala and the Kangra Valley. This carnival will add a unique attraction for these tourists.
He further noted that the event is expected to invigorate tourism in Kangra district, benefiting local hotels, taxi services, restaurants, artisans, traders, and self-employed individuals. Jaggi believes this carnival will mark a significant step in establishing Kangra as the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh.
Among the planned attractions, the Kangra Valley Carnival will include drone displays, fashion shows, lively cultural performances, marathons, sports events, a millet festival, and craft bazaars aimed at promoting local arts and crafts. These activities will highlight Himachal's rich cultural heritage and talent on a national platform.
Jaggi attributed this achievement to the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who is committed to enhancing Himachal's economy, tourism, and public welfare. He also mentioned that hosting the Himachal Pradesh Assembly's winter session in Dharamshala in November was a strategic decision to ensure local businesses benefit during both November and December. 'The government is focusing on grassroots economies and livelihoods rather than just political power,' he stated.