Himachal cottons on to Christmas

Tourists visiting the resort towns of Himachal Pradesh for Christmas and the new year will be treated to traditional culture and cuisine of the hill state, say tourism officials.

"This year the focus of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Corporation (HPTDC) will be on the promotion of Pahari culture, exposing our guests to traditional Himachali culture and cuisine," said Yogesh Behl, deputy general manager.

The state-run company has a chain of hotels, restaurants and cafes across the hill state in Shimla, Chail, Kasauli, Manali, Kullu, Dharamsala, Chamba, Dalhousie, among others.

The corporation has named this year's celebrations "Jashan-2005" and will be from December 22 to January 1.

"Tourists staying at any of our properties this season would be specially treated to gastronomic delights in Himachal, prepared by local chefs," said Behl.

"To make the experience unique and memorable, food would be served by local chefs and served in traditional hill utensils," said Behl.

"During the festivities the hill state's unique and rich music will be given prominence with local artistes performing in traditional outfits," he said.

"The corporation will lay out programmes for children on Christmas eve, with DJs performing for them," he said.

Officials said the corporation had also come up with special packages for the new year festivities.

For December 30 and 31, there are two packages for couples, ranging from Rs 6,000 to Rs 11,000, including boarding and lodging in its top hotels.

"There is an even cheaper package for the budget reveller, costing Rs 700, including food," said Behl.

"Blue Dolphin, a popular DJ from Chandigarh, will entertain our guests at the Hotel Peterhoff, a premier HPTDC property in Shimla. Also, prizes will be given to best couples," he said.

Officials said until last week, 60 per cent of top HPTDC properties had been booked for the festivities.