Forest and Transport Minister and the Chairman of Winter Carnival Manali Govind Singh Thakur said that the famous winter carnival of Kullu district will be celebrated with gaiety and fervour from 2nd to 6th January, 2018. He said that Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur will inaugurate the Carnival.He said that a day before Carnival, Beas Aarti Pooja will be held in which more than 5000 people will take part. The Kardars of deities of the valley and other people will altogether perform this pooja. On this occasion the tableaux of local deity Maa Hadimba will be displayed which will be the major attraction for the people and tourists as well. He said that more than 5000 people will sing Vande Mataram simultaneously on Mall road Manali. Mahila Mandals of the area will have special and important role as all women will be dressed in traditional kullu attire so that the rich culture and tradition of the valley could be promoted.Govind Thakur said that various National Winter Games will be organized during Manali Carnival. He said that adventure games will be organised in Shatru Jot, Solang Nallah, Gulaba and Marhi the snow covered areas. He said that thousands of tourists from over the India and abroad as well come to Manali just to enjoy the snowfall and also to celebrate the New Year. He said that the main purpose of organizing adventure sports is to promote tourism in the region and to provide opportunity to local budding players to display their talent. In addition to the adventure games, other regular games will also be organized.Forest Minister said that during winter carnival the traditional musical instruments of Kullu district would be displayed. He said that in this era of competition our ancient traditional musical instruments and dresses were losing their existance and it was the responsibility of each one of us to keep it alive. He said that efforts will be made to promote traditional costumes, instruments and to encourage local artists in this Carnival. He said cine stars will also perform and enthral the audience during five days long carnival.