Mizoram is gearing up to host its Winter Festival as part of the state government’s efforts to establish the northeastern state as the “Winter Capital of India.”
Chief Minister Lalduhoma chaired a meeting of the Winter Festival Organising Committee in Aizawl to review preparations for the event. Addressing the meeting, he said the government was actively working to promote Mizoram as a major winter tourism destination, with the festival being one of its key initiatives.
Lalduhoma said the festival would also provide a platform to showcase and promote entrepreneurship in the state. While the Tourism Department is spearheading the event, he stressed the need for coordination among various government departments to ensure its success.
The Chief Minister directed different departments to identify activities that could be organised under their respective areas of responsibility.
Several programmes have been planned for the festival. These include an angling event by the Fisheries Department, a bamboo innovation exhibition by the Commerce and Industries Department and a photography exhibition by the Information and Public Relations Department. The festival will also feature Christmas street decorations, a Christmas parade and several other cultural and entertainment programmes.
Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar and senior officials from various government departments attended the meeting.
Mizoram has witnessed a significant rise in tourist arrivals in recent months. The state recorded more than 5.37 lakh tourist visits between January and June this year, including over 5.28 lakh domestic tourists and around 8,700 foreign visitors, according to officials.
The increase in tourist arrivals has been attributed in part to improved connectivity following the opening of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line, which connected Aizawl with the country’s wider railway network in September last year.
The state government hopes the Winter Festival will further boost tourism, promote local entrepreneurship and showcase Mizoram’s culture, products and winter attractions to visitors from across India and abroad.
