Lahaul-Spiti Halda Festival: Tourism Banned in Koksar, Sissu for 45 Days
Tourism activities will stop completely in the Koksar and Sissu areas of Lahaul-Spiti district for more than a month. Local authorities want to provide a period of silence for the deities during the Halda festival. This traditional festival starts on January 15.
Villages Close to Tourists
Koksar and nearby villages will close to tourists from January 14 until the first week of March. The affected villages include Dimpuk, Ramthang, and Sissu. Halda is a traditional festival of Lahaul-Spiti that people celebrate for around 45 days.
The Koksar and Sissu panchayats recently held separate meetings. They decided to ban tourists during this period.
"We are committed to our traditions," said the Koksar panchayat in a statement. "We announce the closure of tourism activities as the holy Halda festival begins after Makar Sankranti."
Complete Shutdown of Services
Tourism activities will not be allowed in these areas. All markets, hotels, guest houses, and homestays in Koksar, Ramthang, Dimpuk, and Sissu village will remain closed until March. The entry of people from outside these panchayats will also stay banned.
A similar resolution passed during a meeting of Zila Parishad members on January 12 in Sissu.
Vehicular Restrictions Imposed
Keylong sub-divisional magistrate Kunika Akers issued an order on Monday. The order restricts all types of vehicular movement from Kuthbihal towards Koksar and Sissu from January 14. This restriction will continue until further orders.
The SDM stated that all kinds of tourist activities and the use of loudspeakers would also remain prohibited in Koksar, Sissu, Dimpuk, and Ramthang areas.
However, this restriction will not apply to certain vehicles. Exemptions include vehicles of the Border Roads Organisation, ambulances, fire services, police vehicles, and other essential emergency services.
