Christmas festivities have returned to Manali, Kasol, Shimla, and other hill towns in Himachal Pradesh. However, the increased number of tourists is leading to significant traffic congestion in these areas.
Heavy traffic is reported from Atal Tunnel to Manali in Himachal Pradesh, with social media sharing videos of long queues. The Atal Tunnel, a Himalayan engineering marvel, is part of the Leh-Manali Highway, holding the title of the longest single-tube highway tunnel above 10,000 feet.
The police in Shimla district are preparing for a significant increase in visitors ahead of Christmas and the year-end festivities. Over one lakh tourist vehicles are expected to converge on the hill town in the final week of December, creating a bustling atmosphere in anticipation of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
To enhance the festive experience, the Mayor of Shimla City has organised the first-ever winter carnival. This event aims to attract tourists to the state, providing an opportunity for revelry while showcasing the rich traditions and culture of Himachal Pradesh.
Tourists are already arriving in the hilly state, drawn by the prospect of witnessing snowfall in the enchanting locales as the year draws to a close. Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Shimla, noted a steady increase in the number of tourist vehicles while talking to ANI. He stated, "There is a particular surge in vehicles entering the city, with the count rising from the usual 5,000 to 6,000 to 12,000 to 13,000 vehicles per day. This number is expected to escalate further to 20,000 around Christmas and the New Year."
The week-long winter carnival is scheduled to commence on Christmas Day, December 25, in the afternoon. While Christmas is rooted in Christian traditions, the holiday has evolved into a global cultural celebration, embraced by people of various backgrounds.
Orthodox and Coptic Christians will observe Christmas on January 7.
Why Do People Prefer Hilly for the Christmas Season?
Snow is often associated with the Christmas season due to its strong connections with traditional Christmas imagery and nostalgia.
Many popular Christmas songs, movies, and stories depict a snowy, winter wonderland, which has contributed to the widespread association of snow with Christmas.
In India, where snow is uncommon, hilly regions become special as they experience this winter phenomenon.
In fact, it is called a "White Christmas" – that's when there's at least an inch of snow covering the ground during the holiday season.
