As the festive season ushers in cheer and anticipation, the picturesque landscapes of Shimla and Manali in Himachal Pradesh have become the favoured havens for the tourists seeking the magic of a ‘white’ Christmas and New Year. The air is abuzz with excitement as hotels in these two popular tourist destinations report nearly full occupancy in the run-up to Christmas and the impending New Year’s celebrations.

In Shimla, the state capital, and Manali — both recognized for their enchanting beauty — there has been a notable surge in tourist footfall. The National Highway leading to the Atal Tunnel witnessed heavy traffic jams, with congestion stretching from Manali to Vashisth Chowk, Potato Ground to Rangadi, and Solang Nala to Atal Tunnel. Similar scenarios unfolded in Kasol and Jari, contributing to the festive fervour.

Tourists are flocking to Rohtang and Sissu areas, where a fresh blanket of snow-covered the landscapes on a delightful Saturday. The promise of more snow in Manali, forecasted to remain dry until December 28, fuels expectations of an influx of visitors in the coming days.

Shimla Meteorological Centre head Surender Pal on Sunday said: “There will be no white Christmas, and the weather will remain dry between December 24 and December 28, 2023. However, light rainfall or snowfall is expected at isolated places between December 29 and 30. Generally speaking, Himachal can witness snowfall or rainfall during the end of December or the first week of January.”

Despite the absence of a white Christmas, the weather in Himachal maintains a chilly embrace. Sissu and Atal Tunnel areas recorded a minimum temperature of -2°C on Sunday, while Shimla noted 4 degrees Celsius, and Manali dipped to as low as 2°C.

Hotel occupancy has reached nearly full capacity, marking a welcome boon for the tourism industry, which faced setbacks during the monsoon season due to landslides and floods. Industry sources indicate that hotel occupancy in Shimla and Manali hovers between 80 to 90 percent. The bustling hotels are brimming with visitors, eager to partake in the Christmas and New Year's revelries.

To manage the high demand, tourists are also exploring nearby destinations like Kasol, Tirthan Valley, and Jibhi Valley. Hotel occupancy in Shimla nearing full capacity has led visitors to seek accommodations in neighbouring towns such as Kufri, Chail, Narkanda, Kasauli, and Solan.

The hoteliers are feeling positive, particularly in the aftermath of road damage caused by heavy rains earlier this year. They are hopeful for a successful winter tourist season after suffering losses due to floods and landslides washing away the roads. Almost all our rooms have been booked, with tourists securing reservations until New Year's Eve.

Simultaneously, Shimla is hosting its first-ever Winter Carnival — a week-long celebration from Christmas day to New Year's Eve. Aimed at reviving tourism following the monsoon’s worst-ever landslides, the carnival promises to showcase Himachal’s rich culture and cuisine.

With thousands of tourists expected, Shimla’s hoteliers are optimistic about recovering losses and offering visitors an unforgettable holiday experience.

Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu will inaugurate the Winter Carnival, ushering in a joyful atmosphere that aligns with the spirit of the season. As Shimla transforms into a winter wonderland, the administration is gearing up for an anticipated surge in tourists, deploying 10 platoons of police for effective traffic and security management. The city has been divided into four sectors to streamline the expected one lakh tourist vehicles during this holiday season. The carnival and the winter charm of Shimla and Manali promise an enchanting conclusion to 2023 and a hopeful beginning to the New Year.

Christmas inspires mankind to live in harmony: Himachal CM Sukhu

Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday felicitated the people of the State on the occasion of Christmas.

On the occasion, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said that Christmas was a reminder of the profound message of the Lord Jesus Christ of following the path of truth, love, and brotherhood.

The Chief Minister Sukhu said that the festival inspires mankind to live in harmony and care for each other. “Life and noble teachings of Jesus Christ were far more relevant today as they promote selfless service, kindness and humanity,” said Sukhu, hoping that the holy occasion of Christmas would enshrine the message of peace and love, and promote solidarity among the people of the state.

Christmas is an annual festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed by billions of people worldwide on December 25 as a religious and cultural event.