In a significant push to promote tourism during the colder months, the picturesque hill station of Nainital has revived its much-awaited winter carnival. The five-day festival commenced on December 22 at the District Sports Association (DSA) ground, marking its return after a gap of seven years. The event, which will run until December 26, is designed to showcase the region's rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and vast tourism potential during the traditional lean season.
A Vibrant Celebration of Hill Culture
The carnival is a comprehensive showcase of Kumaoni traditions and contemporary entertainment. Officials state that the event celebrates the local hill culture through an array of experiences, including traditional food stalls, exhibitions by local artisans, thrilling adventure activities, and nightly cultural performances featuring both Bollywood and regional artistes. The inauguration day witnessed a colourful procession that moved from Tallital to the main stage via the iconic Mall Road, accompanied by a marching band and thematic tableaux.
Simultaneously, boating races and yacht displays were organized on the serene Naini Lake. The day concluded with a formal inauguration featuring the traditional Deepdaan ceremony, followed by performances by singer Charu Semwal and a Bollywood night headlined by Parmish Verma.
Star-Studded Lineup and Local Talent
The main stage at the DSA ground is set to host major performances over the coming days. On December 24, the stage will come alive with singer Pawandeep Rajan under the Uttarakhand Star segment, followed by renowned Bollywood playback singer B Praak. The grand closing night on December 25 will feature Team Shrey Khanna, famous for their appearance on 'America's Got Talent', and the folk-fusion band Pandavaas.
The carnival also provides a significant platform for local artistes. Cultural programmes by local performers are scheduled for December 24, alongside a unique storytelling session titled ‘Kahaniyon Ka Kona’ by Pankaj Jeena. December 25 will host competitions to select Nainital's best dancer and singer, followed by performances by Fauji Lalit Mohan Joshi and Swati Bhatt.
Adventure, Cuisine, and Stargazing
For adventure enthusiasts, the carnival offers free artificial rock climbing from December 23 to 25. A trekking expedition from Birla Chungi to Kainchi Dham is scheduled for the final day, December 26. Adding a celestial touch, evening star-gazing sessions called 'Brahmand Darshan' have been organized at Flats in Mallital.
A dedicated food festival and artisans' gallery, showcasing local Kumaoni cuisine and handicrafts, will remain open throughout all five days. Additional highlights include an Aipan art competition on December 24, a Winter Line photography session at Hanuman Garhi, and a comedy show by Harshvardhan Verma.
Emphasizing the event's objective, Additional District Magistrate Vivek Rai stated that the carnival aims to strengthen winter tourism and requested cooperation from all stakeholders. District tourism development officer Atul Bhandari noted that a 20-km trekking event was successfully organized on the opening day, December 22, with active participation from tourists and other stakeholders, setting a positive tone for the rest of the festival.
