Most areas of the state have been lashed by rain for the past few days. Tourists had a difficult time moving out of the 13,050-ft-high Rohtang pass on Saturday to Manali lower down due to the heavy rain and fog.

The cold weather forced residents and tourists in Shimla to wear woollens. The gusty winds are being described as unusual for this time of the year. The standing apple crop has been damaged in several parts of the apple belt in the mid hills of the state.

Himachal Pradesh Tourism Principal Secretary Abhay Shukla told The Pioneer that the State Government had approached the Central Government to provide financial assistance so that this project will start as soon as possible. At present, he said, there are only two helipads in Shimla - one for the Army and another is especially used when the President A P J Abdul Kalam visit here.

For the permission of using this helipad, Shukla said that they have also written to the President's office to grant them permission to use a helipad, which has not been used by the President for the last three years. Shukla also said that apart from the Central Government financial assistance, the Tourism department also talked to hotelier in Shimla to give them support in fulfilling the project. And, they have agreed to bear a part of the total cost of the project, he said. Besides this, the department is also planning to provide a new facility 'joy chopper rides' for tourist so that they could able to visit those destinations difficult to reach by roads like Chanshal peak, he said, adding that fare of the ride will suit the pockets of the tourist and save time also. Shukla said that talks were in process to tie up with the flight operators to Chandigarh to provide a direct ticket to Shimla.

In the first week of September, Fullaich (Phulech) take place in Kinnaur while Kangra plays host to Sair. Chamba is the location for the colorful fair of Rath-Rathni.

Dussehra is one of the most sacred festivals of the Hindu religion and is celebrated in October. The much talked about Dussehra celebrations start in Kullu with Navratri. The Pong Dam is the site of water sports championship held in the same month.

November is time of Diwali, which is celebrated throughout the state. On the banks of Sutlej, the Lavi fair continues for three days. At Sirmaur, idols of Parasuram are immersed in the gentle waters of Renuka Lake.

Shimla has the tradition of celebrating Christmas since the days of the British Raj. To take part in the festivities, people come from far off places. But before Christmas, in the second week of December, the International Himalayan festival is held in Dharmshala.

The Mall in Shimla is not just about swanky joints and carefree tourists. A stroll down the mall road and one can get educated about the Himachali ways, only if one knows where to look. No, do not even try out one of those shops that sell the ethnic stuff for they do not have the time to enlighten you about the Himachali lifestyle or its cultural scenario during the peak tourist season.

Look at the walls of the Mall instead, and you will find two huge murals speaking eloquently about the life of Himachal.

SCULPTING LIFE: Prof M.C. Saxena and one of his Mall murals that depict the apple plucking skill of Himachali people.

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