19th, January, 2022
Topic: Himachal Tourism
Importance: Himachal HPAS Prelims and Mains
What is the news?
- Chief Minister Shri Jayaram Thakur ji inaugurated the prepared ropeway at Dharamshala today at the cost of Rs 207 crore.
- Chief Minister said that this ropeway will prove to be a milestone for Dharamshala in tourism view. Due to this ropeway, the journey from Dharamshala to McLodganj will be full of adventure and also saving time.
Topic: Himachal Sports Policy
Importance: Himachal HPAS Prelims and Mains
What is the news?
- Rakesh Pathania, Minister of Sport, Youth and Forestry, today unveiled the state’s new sport policy.
Important points:
- The quota for sportspersons in government jobs increased from 2% to 3%.
- Gold medal winners at the Olympic Games, Paralympic to get Rs3 crore, silver Rs2 crore.
- Those who qualify, take part in the Olympic, Paralympic Games to obtain Rs15 lakh.
- Super specialized sports academies with residential facilities at the district level.
(Source: HP tribune)
Topic: Himachal Festival
Importance: Himachal HPAS Prelims and Mains
What is the news?
- Halda fest celebrated in Lahaul-Spiti valleys.
Important Points:
- It is celebrated by the Lamas in January. Halda is a festival of lights celebrated in Magha Poornima. On this auspicious occasion, twigs and branches of Juniper tree are tied together and used as a torch.
- In the evening, each household light this torch and people gather in one common place in the village.
- A special ceremony is celebrated and offerings are made to local deities for the prosperity and welfare of all villagers.
- To celebrate the event, pencil cedar branches are cut into strips and tied together in bundles to make a torch called Halda. Halda is lit in a house where villagers gather to perform the rituals.
(Source: HP tribune)
