The three-day Yeti Snow Festival at Sissu in Lahaul and Spiti district concluded with an exhilarating display of traditional Lahauli dance and thrilling winter sports, making it a major attraction for both locals and tourists. The festival, held in the picturesque town of Sissu, saw an impressive mix of cultural performances, ski events and local exhibitions celebrating the vibrant heritage of the region.
One of the main highlights of the day was the mesmerising Sheni dance performed by artistes from the Mrikula Art and Culture Club of Udaipur. The traditional Lahauli dance on the rhythm of local instruments and sacred tunes, offered an ethereal experience for the audience, connecting them with the spiritual and cultural essence of the region.
Besides the cultural performances, the festival focused on winter sports, particularly the Skimo events, which attracted winter sports enthusiasts from across the region. Skiing, snowboarding and sprint competitions were held and participants showcased impressive skills on the snow-covered slopes. The event was a hit among tourists, who enthusiastically cheered for the athletes and even joined in the celebrations with some lively dancing.
The festival also featured an entertaining dog show, where local participants displayed their pets’ skills, captivating the crowd. The dog show was adjudged by Aniket Wanve, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), while the Assistant Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, Amitabh Thakur, shared valuable insights into dog behaviour and the proper care of pets.
Local women groups added to the festivities with a colourful cultural programme that included folk songs and traditional performances. The audience was also treated to stunning performances by hill artistes like Rubina, Ravi, and Birbal Kinoura, who had the crowd clapping and cheering.
Various stalls showcasing local handicrafts and delicious cuisine were set up during the festival. Tourists enjoyed offerings from local self-help groups, sampling local delicacies and purchasing handcrafted items. Besides, a local voluntary organisation conducted a cleanliness campaign, spreading awareness about keeping the region clean and sustainable.
The success of the festival was not just in its entertaining events but also in the sense of community it fostered, as hundreds of tourists and locals came together to celebrate the winter season in the true Lahauli style. The excellent organisation of the festival earned it praise and both local bodies and district administration received accolades for putting together such a vibrant and engaging festival.
As the Yeti Snow Festival came to a close, the spirit of Lahaul and Spiti, with its rich culture and stunning winter landscapes, was showcased in all its glory, leaving everyone eagerly awaiting the next year’s festivities. Wanve, who was the chief guest of the event, gave away awards to the winners of various events and encouraged local residents to preserve their rich culture and promote winter sports in the region.
