Chillai Kalan, the 40-day period of harshest winter, commenced in Kashmir on Saturday with Srinagar experiencing its coldest December night in five decades at minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, according to the meteorological department. Minimum temperatures dropped several notches below the freezing point in other parts of the valley as well. In Srinagar, the temperature came down to minus 8.5 degrees Celsius on Friday night from minus 6.2 degrees Celsius the previous night, the meteorological department said. It was Srinagar's coldest December night since 1974, when the city recorded a low of minus 10.3 degrees Celsius, and the third coldest since 1891. Srinagar's lowest-ever minimum temperature in this month was minus 12.8 degrees Celsius on December 13, 1934. The intense cold led to the freezing of several water bodies, including parts of the famous Dal Lake here, and water supply lines in many areas of the city and elsewhere in the valley. South Kashmir's tourist resort Pahalgam, which also serves as one of the base camps for the Amarnath Yatra, recorded a low of minus 8.6 degrees Celsius while the famous ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius. Konibal, a hamlet on the outskirts of Pampore town, was the coldest weather station in the valley with a minimum temperature of minus 10.5 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature settled at minus 8.2 degrees Celsius in Qazigund, minus 7.2 degrees Celsius in Kupwara and minus 5.8 degrees Celsius in Kokernag. This was Kupwara's lowest December temperature since 1998 and the ninth lowest ever in this month. The meteorological office has forecast mainly dry weather till December 26 with a possibility of light snowfall in the higher reaches of the valley on the intervening night of December 21-22. Light snow over the higher reaches is also possible from the afternoon of December 27 to the forenoon of December 28. The weather is likely to be mainly dry on December 29-30 while light snowfall is expected in the higher reaches on the New Year's Eve, it said. The weather office said the cold wave at isolated places would continue over the next few days. During the 40 days of 'Chillai-Kalan', the chances of snowfall are the maximum and the temperature drops considerably. 'Chillai Kalan' will end on January 31 next year but the cold wave continues in the valley as it is followed by a 20-day 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold). This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
21 December,2024 04:38 PM IST | Srinagar | PTICafé Akasa, the onboard meal service of Akasa Air, announced the launch of the third edition of its Christmas special meal, a celebration of seasonal indulgence. An amalgamation of the season’s delicacies, the meal comprises of Chicken Mince Cranberry Pie accompanied by a delicious Christmas Pudding and a beverage of choice. Available exclusively from December 1-31 across the Akasa Air network, this festive offering can be easily pre-booked via Akasa Air’s website www.akasaair.com or mobile app. Akasa Air’s Christmas special meal ensures travellers don’t miss out the true essence of the holiday season while travelling. Christmas is a time of joy, indulgence, and togetherness, and this exclusive meal has been crafted to reflect those sentiments. With the comforting flavours of traditional delicacies blending savoury and sweet notes, the meal guarantees an unforgettable culinary experience that resonates with the magic of Christmas. Whether customers are travelling to reunite with family or embarking on a holiday getaway, the festive feast will add cheer and celebration to their travels. Since launching operations in August 2022, the airline has been committed to offering specially curated meal options that reflect regional specialities associated with various celebrations. From Makar Sankranti to Valentine’s Day, Holi, Eid, Mother’s Day, International Yoga Day, Monsoon season, Navroz, Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, Diwali, and Christmas, Café Akasa continues to enhance the flying experience with festive meals. The airline also offers a pre-selection of cakes on its regular menu for flyers who want to celebrate the birthdays of their loved ones in the skies. Café Akasa’s frequently refreshed menu is thoughtfully curated to include a variety of gourmet meals, snacks, and refreshing beverages to ensure there is something to cater to a wide range of dietary and culinary preferences. The menu offers over 45 meal options, including fusion meals, appetisers with a regional twist, and decadent desserts, all exclusively curated by reputed chefs from across India, all exclusively curated by reputed chefs from across India. In the most recent development, Akasa Air's brand-new fleet provides ample legroom and enhanced comfort and comes with USB ports in a majority of aircraft, allowing passengers to charge their gadgets and devices on the go. Café Akasa recently unveiled a refreshed menu thoughtfully curated to include a variety of gourmet meals, snacks, and refreshing beverages to ensure there is something to cater to a wide range of dietary and culinary preferences. Pets on Akasa allows customers to travel with their pets in the cabin or to carry them in cargo, based on their weight. Enhancing the cabin experience for its customers, Akasa has launched several industry-firsts such as Skyscore by Akasa, SkyLights and QuietFlights.
20 December,2024 06:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe end of the year is usually marked by increased travel, as friends and families escape the ordinary to bring in the festive season. As 2024 draws to a close, many people are planning their trips for Christmas and New Year, searching destinations and creating the perfect itinerary. Holiday travel is exciting. However, it can also get overwhelming due to several factors including crowded airports and tourist places, and unexpected delays and challenges. The heavy travel rush during this time of the year can further exacerbate the chaos. Tips for stress-free holiday travel But don’t let this uncertainty ruin your holiday spirit! In a conversation with mid-day.com, Jatinder Paul Singh, co-founder and CEO of travel platform Viacation, shares essential tips to ensure a hassle-free travel experience. Plan ahead, always Start planning early for a smoother experience. Book flights and accommodations in advance to secure more deals and avoid last-minute hassle. If you’re driving, map out your trip and keep an eye out for traffic conditions. Create a packing list for essentials like gifts, electronics and medications early on. Travel smart with timing Travelling at the appropriate time makes all the difference. Fly or drive to the destination a day or two prior to the peak holiday dates. Early-morning flights, trains and road trips have a lesser chance of getting delayed since airports, stations and roads are not usually bustling at dawn. Pack light and efficiently Packing light, especially during the holidays, is a game-changer. Many airlines have strict rules, and carrying too much can be tedious. Carry clothes that you can mix and match together. Packing cubes can organise your bag and save space. If you're carrying gifts, send them ahead of time instead of carrying in luggage. Be prepared for delays Holiday travel rarely goes as planned. Be prepared for long waiting periods with snacks, water and entertainment like books or downloaded movies. Your devices should never run low on power; therefore, a portable charger is essential. Prepare yourself mentally for delays and don’t let them dampen your mood. Stay organised Keeping all travel documents in one place can save a lot of stress. Have your tickets, IDs, hotel reservations and important papers kept in a wallet or a digital app. Double-check your bookings to keep everything in order. For international travel, confirm your passport validity and visa requirements. Make the most of technology Travel applications can be life-savers. Flight tracker apps can keep you updated on the actual schedule and delays. Navigation apps can help you avoid traffic jams, while hotel apps can assist in last-minute bookings. In addition, sign up for airline or hotel alerts to be informed of changes or special offers. Practice patience and kindness Everyone, whether travellers or airport staff, is stressed during holiday rush. Be pleasant to fellow travellers and thank the staff when frustrating situations are resolved. Also Read: From Puducherry to Dubai: Indians are travelling to these destinations to wrap up 2024
20 December,2024 12:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDriven by improved infrastructure and friendly government policies to boost tourism, India is now ranked 39th among 119th countries in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 report, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF). In the previous index published in 2021, India was ranked 54th. However, due to a revision in the WEF's methodology, India's 2021 rank was adjusted to 38th place, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. The Ministry of Tourism, under the schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan’, ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ and ‘Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development’, provides financial assistance to state governments, Union Territory administrations, Central agencies for the development of tourism-related infrastructure and facilities at various tourism destinations in the country. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched India’s official portal for Medical Value Travel (MVT), which is the Advantage Healthcare India portal. It is a “One-Stop” portal developed for the facilitation of information for those who want to avail medical treatment in India from abroad. Earlier this week, President Droupadi Murmu said that India is emerging as a major centre for affordable medical tourism on the global stage, and doctors in the country play a significant role in this development. “India is developing as a major centre of affordable medical tourism on the world stage and doctors have a major role in this development. People from other countries visit India to take advantage of the medical facilities available here,” Murmu said. According to Shekhawat, with over 5,000 years of civilisational history, 43 World Heritage Sites, 56 potential World Heritage Sites, and around 3,500 monuments of national importance, “India’s cultural heritage stands as a testament to its global strength.” Speaking at the ‘Embracing Diversity: Promoting Inclusive Tourism’ session at ‘Rising Rajasthan’ summit recently, the minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Virasat Bhi Vikas Bhi’ (heritage and development) has propelled the country’s progress, connecting India's historical uniqueness with its modern achievements. He also discussed India’s remarkable progress in the tourism sector, citing improvements such as a 1,50,000 km road network, the development of 500 new air routes, the construction of 150 new airports, and the introduction of high-speed trains like Vande Bharat. Also Read: India's tourism sector is full of extraordinary possibilities: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 December,2024 11:06 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSAs 2024 ends, Indians are enthusiastically gearing up for their final annual travel plans. From breathtaking landscapes to culturally rich escapes, Indian digital travel company, Booking.com, reveals how Indian travellers are looking to wrap up 2024. Domestic getawaysResulting in an increase of 40-100 per cent in domestic searches from the same time last year. Besides metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, Indians travellers are keen on exploring diverse destinations that offer one-of-a-kind experiences. From the cultural hubs of Udaipur and Jaipur to the picturesque hill stations of Manali, Munnar, Ooty and Mahabaleshwar and the coastal cities of Goa and Puducherry, Indians are exploring an abundance of activities the country has to offer. Reflecting the continued desire for spiritual journeys, Varanasi is experiencing a 100 per cent increase in searches from the same time last year. Top 10 most searched domestic leisure destinations by Indian travellers travelling between December 21 to January 5, 2025. 1. Puducherry2. Udaipur3. Jaipur4. Manali5. Ooty 6. Varanasi7. Goa8. Munnar9. Mahabaleshwar10. Lonavala Beyond local shoresWhile traditional holiday spots like Dubai (90 per cent), Bangkok (60 per cent), and Singapore (30 per cent) remain popular choices, there's a growing interest in locations that offer a unique blend of leisure, exploration and cultural immersion. This trend is evident in the surge in searches for culturally enriching Baku (120 per cent), Lapland (125 per cent), Danang (80 per cent) and Tbilisi (60 per cent). Additionally, the United Arab Emirates (110 per cent), Thailand (60 per cent) and the United Kingdom (35 per cent) emerge as the top three most searched countries for Indian travellers during this holiday season. Top 10 most searched international leisure destinations by Indian travellers travelling between December 21 to January 5, 2025. 1. Dubai2. Bangkok3. Singapore4. London5. Kuala Lumpur6. Phuket7. Abu Dhabi8. Makkah9. Paris10. Hong Kong Santosh Kumar, country manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com said, “This year-end holiday season highlights the evolving travel aspirations of Indian travellers. We're witnessing a surge in travel demand, with a fascinating blend of domestic and international exploration. While traditional hotspots like Puducherry and Dubai continue to attract travellers, there's also a growing desire for enriching experiences. The rise in searches for culturally rich destinations like Baku, Tbilisi and Lapland underscore this trend. Booking.com remains committed to empowering Indian travellers with a seamless platform to curate their dream getaways, offering a diverse range of accommodation options, flights attractions and rental cars – all in one place, ensuring a hassle-free and memorable journey."
19 December,2024 03:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGoa's lush greenery and inviting beaches alike encompass a place deeply revered by countless faithful from around the world. Within this serene and vibrant landscape stands the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the final resting place of St. Francis Xavier's holy relics. This saint, who was born into the luxury of Spanish nobility, embarked on a spiritual voyage that would see him cross continents and influence countless lives, rightfully earning him the epithet "Apostle of the Indies." As the universal church eagerly anticipates the Jubilee Year 2025 preparations are underway, echoing the intrinsic values of Goan heritage. Coinciding with this spirit, on March 7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the project on the enhancement of facilities at the Basilica of Bom Jesus as part of the PRASHAD scheme, supported by Ministry of Tourism Government of India. Every ten years, Goa reverberates with spiritual fervour as the decennial exposition of the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, affectionately called "Gõycho Saib," takes place from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025, Goa is pulsating with spiritual fervour as pilgrims from far and wide both domestic and international would converge upon Old Goa. This 18th edition of the exposition promises not just ceremonial rituals but a catalyst for the renewal of Christian life. The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa houses the revered silver Mastrillian casket, a masterpiece crafted four centuries ago, reflecting the artistic brilliance of its era. This casket stands as a symbol of spiritual reverence and cultural legacy, cherished by locals and visitors alike. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the basilica holds profound historical significance as one of India's oldest churches. Through the exposition, devotees and pilgrims are invited to honour Saint Francis Xavier and seek his intercession for blessings and spiritual healing. Beyond its religious essence, this event serves as a window into Goa's rich cultural tapestry, intertwining spiritual devotion with the region's diverse heritage. In this sacred gathering, Goa's spiritual legacy converges with Saint Francis Xavier's enduring devotion, inviting all to embark on a journey of faith, renewal, and hope. The exposition transcends mere tradition; it is a pilgrimage of the soul, fostering connections among believers and igniting a journey of faith and renewal. As devotees honour the memory of St. Francis Xavier, they embrace his timeless message of love and compassion, embarking on a transformative odyssey guided by his benevolent spirit.
19 December,2024 10:41 AM IST | Panaji | mid-day online correspondentDiljit Dosanjh, who is currently on his Dil-Luminati India Tour 2024, recently took a break from his busy schedule to soak in the pristine beauty of Kashmir. The Punjabi star was seen sipping traditional Kashmiri tea ‘Kahwa’ while enjoying a shikara ride on Dal Lake. In a video of the shikara ride posted by Dosanjh on his Instagram handle, he can be seen lounging on the wooden boat, wrapped in a cozy blanket, as he immerses himself in the calming melodies of live music. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) A local tea vendor approaches the actor during his boat ride, offering a warm cup of tea. The duo was then seen casually chatting as they glided across the water on the shikara. During their conversation, the tea vendor asked about his hometown. With his signature humour, the singer replied, “Main sir kahi nahi rehta, main bas aise ghoomta rehta hoon.” Captioning the video, he wrote, “Dal Lake Star Mustaq Bhai Ka Kehwa & Adnan bhai ka Rabab.” Dosanjh also shared other glimpses from his trip to Kashmir. In one video, he can be seen surrounded by fallen chinar leaves, which is characteristic during the autumn season. “KASHMIR, THE HEAVEN ON EARTH,” he wrote in the caption. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) Sharing another clip from his Kashmir trip, he wrote, “KASHMIR>>> Sukoon” View this post on Instagram A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) Diljit Dosanjh Dil-Luminati Tour Diljit Dosanjh India tour is set to conclude in Guwahati on December 29. The 10-city tour included stops in various cities such as Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Pune, and Kolkata, among others. The singer will next be performing in Mumbai on December 19, 2024. (With inputs from IANS) Also Read: 'Yeh pagdi hamari shaan hai': Diljit Dosanjh expresses love for country at Dil-Luminati Jaipur concert
17 December,2024 02:10 PM IST | Kashmir | mid-day online correspondentThe 25th edition of Nagaland’s 10-day long Hornbill Festival culminated on Tuesday with a grand closing ceremony at Naga heritage village, Kisama, which featured a colourful fusion of the state’s folk songs and dances. Cultural presentations and performances by several groups showcased a mesmerising blend of traditions, music and dance. The silver jubilee edition of the famous tourism festival drew visitors from across the world. Addressing the closing ceremony, the state's Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along highlighted the spirit of unity and prosperity that the event represented for the people of Nagaland. “Under the dynamic leadership of our Honorable Chief Minister, we have seen the Hornbill Festival grow from a tribal celebration to an event that resonates with unity, spirituality and collective prosperity,” he said.He also stressed the importance of the international participation with the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and Peru as country partners and Sikkim and Telangana as state partners of the festival. “These collaborations were celebrated for fostering stronger international ties and cultural exchange,” the minister said. Cultural performances at Hornbill Festival Throughout the 10 days of the festival, several cultural performances narrating stories and showcasing heritage, captivated audiences. The closing programme was no different. The cultural extravaganza included Thele Lu (folk song) by Chakhesang Cultural Troupe, which is traditionally sung by the men of the village while moving from place to place. Titse Nyeh Khidong, a millet harvesting song performed by Sangtam Cultural Troupe, is unique and quite popular with a distinct melody. Zakhama Kehou folk song showcased by Angami Cultural Troupe, is usually sung by the youth when they come together in a group. AphiloKuwo, a warrior dance by the Sumi Cultural Troupe, is a traditional dance of the Sumi Tribe performed during important occasions and festivals like Tuluni and Ahuna. The commemorative performance by Phom Cultural troupe (Pangital) presented the story of a woman who single-handedly killed her enemies through her wit, courage and poise. Dim Dim Chong by Garo Cultural Troupe is a folk song of the Garos which is sung and performed as a theme during the Wangala festival. Other highlights of Hornbill Festival Besides daily performances of cultural troupes from the northeastern states, other highlights of the Hornbill Festival included sale of local products, handloom and handicrafts, artworks, horticulture, traditional stone pulling ceremony, film festival, photo fest, heritage walk, kids’ carnival, indigenous games and sports festival, etc. Local cuisine, food festival, adventure outdoor activities, mountain biking and Bamboo Carnival were the other important attractions of the annual gala celebration, which began on December 1. (With Agency inputs)
11 December,2024 10:48 AM IST | Nagaland | mid-day online correspondentAir passenger numbers are forecast to top five billion for the first time next year and the sector's revenues will break the trillion-dollar barrier, the global aviation body IATA said Tuesday. "Passenger numbers are expected to reach 5.2 billion in 2025, a 6.7 percent rise compared to 2024 and the first time that the number of passengers has exceeded the five billion mark," the International Air Transport Association said in a statement. Total industry revenues are meanwhile forecast at $1.007 trillion, helped by falling oil and fuel prices, "the first time that industry revenues top the $1 trillion mark," it added. Revenues will be up 4.4 percent from 2024, it said. "All of this gives us a financial performance which I think is absolutely worth popping the champagne" after a post-pandemic bounce-back, IATA chief economist Marie Owens Thomsen told a news conference in Geneva. IATA's Director General Willie Walsh said in the statement that IATA expected profits of $36.6 billion despite "persistent supply chain challenges, infrastructure deficiencies, onerous regulation and a rising tax burden". IATA represents around 340 companies that account for 80 percent of world air traffic. Airlines have been hit by rising fuel costs since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 but IATA said it expected this factor to ease next year, with the cost of jet fuel averaging $87 a barrel, down from $99 in 2024. "Lower oil prices and resulting fuel costs are a major driver of improved prospects for airlines in 2025," it said. "Should these not materialise for any reason and considering the industry's thin margins, the outlook could change significantly." Also Read: Air India at 61, IndiGo at 103 in global AirHelp survey of best airlines in the world This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
11 December,2024 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | AFPUnion Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday highlighted the immense potential of India's tourism sector, claiming it surpasses that of any other country in the world. “With over 5,000 years of civilisational history, 43 World Heritage Sites, 56 potential World Heritage Sites, and around 3,500 monuments of national importance, India’s cultural heritage stands as a testament to its global strength,” the minister said while speaking at the ‘Embracing Diversity: Promoting Inclusive Tourism’ session at Rising Rajasthan. He also emphasised that the significance of tourism lies more in its cultural value than in its economic or business aspects. He pointed out the importance of understanding the cultural elements that have shaped India’s identity. He also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Virasat Bhi Vikas Bhi’ (heritage and development) has propelled the country’s progress, connecting India's historical uniqueness with its modern achievements. The minister attributed India's position as the world's fastest-growing economy to its deep-rooted cultural pride. He also discussed India’s remarkable progress in the tourism sector, citing improvements such as a 1,50,000 km road network, the development of 500 new air routes, the construction of 150 new airports, and the introduction of high-speed trains like Vande Bharat. He said that the completion of 100 tourism infrastructure projects has ushered in a new era of connectivity and ease of travel. The success of the G-20 presidency, which spotlighted over 60 Indian destinations, has also piqued global interest in the country. “As a result, India's tourism sector generated 76.17 million jobs, up from 69.56 million in 2013-2014, and foreign exchange earnings rose from $19.69 billion in 2014 to $28.07 billion in 2023, marking a 42.53 per cent increase,” he said. He also emphasised that the Ministry of Tourism is focused on developing tourism as a driver of sustainable, inclusive economic growth. Key initiatives include enhancing the overall tourist experience, developing new destinations, empowering individuals with tourism skills, fostering private sector participation, and creating favourable conditions in partnership with states and union territories. Shekhawat also highlighted Rajasthan’s exemplary role in the tourism sector, noting that it contributes about 12 per cent to the state’s GDP, the highest in India. Tourist arrivals in Rajasthan are expected to rise from 5.38 crore in 2019 to 18.07 crore in 2023. As part of the Golden Triangle Circuit, Rajasthan attracts 35 per cent of India’s foreign tourists. The state is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a top choice for ‘destination weddings’ and ‘heritage and leisure tourism’. Additionally, Rajasthan boasts 68 per cent of India’s heritage hotels. The state’s tourism potential is further bolstered by the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and the Dedicated Freight Corridor, with significant portions in Rajasthan. Shekhawat noted the growth in investment in the tourism and hospitality sectors in Rajasthan, from ₹1,689 crore in 2015-16 to ₹4,847 crore in 2023-24. Rajasthan was the first state to grant industrial status to the tourism and hospitality sector, a model now being adopted by other states and union territories. The Ministry of Tourism has also created a handbook for other states to replicate Rajasthan's success. Both the central and state governments are working collaboratively to make Rajasthan a major global destination as part of the state’s Vision 2047. The Union Minister affirmed that the Ministry of Tourism is committed to supporting Rajasthan’s tourism development and will continue to offer all necessary cooperation to ensure its growth. Also Read: Religious tourism driving residential demand in Tier 2 cities like Prayagraj, Puri: Report This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 December,2024 10:01 AM IST | Rajasthan | IANSIn a first in many decades, the Himachal Pradesh capital and its nearby tourist resorts on Sunday evening experienced the season’s first snowfall in early December, with the hospitality industry eyeing a surge of tourists. "Shimla and its nearby areas have experienced light snowfall and this was the season's first snowfall in Shimla town,” an official of the Meteorological Department here told IANS. Places near Shimla like Kufri and Narkanda have also been experiencing snowfall, turning the tourist destinations more picturesque. As news of the snowfall spreads, tourists may flock to Shimla, known for the imperial grandeur of its buildings that were once institutions of power when the town served as the summer capital of British India. "It’s for the first time that we witnessed the snowfall in early December. As far as my memory goes, this is the season’s first snowfall in over two decades,” said Ganesh Sud, a local resident who has been settled in Shimla since the early 1990s. "For the first time I am witnessing snowfall in early December," his college-going daughter Radhika added. The snowy landscape in Shimla would stay for a few hours only as the minimum temperature was high, an official of the Met Office said. Reports said some of the areas in the apple belt Jubbal and Kharapathar also experienced snow. "High-altitude areas of Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur and Shimla districts have been experiencing snow," the official said. The majestic Dhauladhar ranges in the Kangra valley got snow cover. Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district also experienced snow. Lower areas of the state like Dharamsala, Palampur, Solan, Nahan, Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur and Mandi towns received rain, bringing down the temperature considerably. The Met Office has forecast that scattered rain or snow is likely in the state till Monday. After the opening of the skies, the minimum temperature across the state could plummet by three to four notches, a weatherman said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 December,2024 09:10 PM IST | Shimla | IANSADVERTISEMENT
