The hill station of Mussoorie is set to come alive with the annual Winterline Carnival, a six-day extravaganza scheduled from December 24 to 29, 2024. The district administration unveiled the detailed schedule on Monday, promising a vibrant mix of cultural performances, adventure activities, and culinary delights. This year holds special significance as the carnival's theme celebrates 25 years of Uttarakhand's statehood, aiming to showcase the rich heritage and flavors of the region.
A Carnival Born from Resilience
Named after the unique meteorological Winterline phenomenon visible in Mussoorie's winter skies, the carnival was first initiated in 2013 with a poignant purpose. It was conceived as a strategic effort to revive tourism in the region following the devastating Kedarnath tragedy. Over the past decade, the event has successfully transformed into one of Uttarakhand's premier tourist attractions, drawing large crowds of both locals and visitors eager to experience its unique offerings.
Star-Studded Lineup and Cultural Extravaganza
The carnival will be officially inaugurated by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The opening day, December 24, will feature a grand cultural parade from Survey Chowk to Gandhi Chowk. This will be followed by band performances by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Gandhi Chowk.
The evening will host a documentary screening based on the life of politician Indramani Badoni, followed by a cultural performance narrating the tale of the warrior Madho Singh Bhandari. The subsequent days are packed with musical nights. Attendees can look forward to performances by Bollywood and regional artists including Ruhaan Bhardwaj, Karishma Shah, Meena Rana, Vicky Chauhan, Suraj Tratak, and Nikhil D'Souza.
Adventure, Nature, and Gastronomy
Beyond the stage, the carnival offers a plethora of engaging activities for all interests. Mornings will be dedicated to bird watching, nature treks, and photography sessions at scenic spots like Jabarkhet Nature Park, Char Dukaan, and Hathipaon. Adventure enthusiasts can participate in a sports bike rally, treasure hunts, and stargazing events.
A major perennial highlight is the Uttarakhand Food Festival. This year, it promises to be a grand showcase of traditional Pahari cuisine, local food products, and innovative fusion dishes that blend modern culinary techniques with age-old recipes.
Venues Across the Queen of Hills
To ensure widespread participation, events will be spread across multiple iconic locations in Mussoorie. The festivities will take place at Shaheed Sthal, the Municipal Garden, Landour, the Town Hall, and the Garhwal Terrace. This decentralized approach allows tourists to explore different parts of the charming hill station while enjoying the carnival atmosphere.
With its diverse program celebrating silver jubilee of statehood, the Mussoorie Winterline Carnival 2024 is poised to offer an unforgettable experience, boosting winter tourism and highlighting the cultural tapestry of Uttarakhand.
