Mahesh Kumar Sharma, a veteran tailor, revealed the labor of love behind these creations. Each set for Radha and Krishna demands six hours of precise stitching by home-based artisans. ‘We’ve upheld this for over three decades, with sizes unchanged across generations,’ he said, underscoring the timeless essence of the practice.

Sanjiv Agarwal delved into the specifics for Laddu Holi, set for February 24. Radha Rani will don a stunning river-motif lehenga and kanchari, complemented by a unique odhni shared with Krishna. The deity’s attire includes a richly embroidered jama, dupatta, and pajama. Vishakha and Lalita’s outfits round out the eight garments, all provided by Delhi’s Agarwal family this season.

This festival’s charm lies in its bold customs: Barsana’s women playfully thrash Nandgaon’s men with sticks, while the latter dodge with shields—a nod to mythology where Krishna teased the gopis, earning light-hearted retaliation. Beyond the fun, Lathmar Holi embodies deep cultural reverence, blending faith, community, and festivity in a spectacle that captivates visitors year after year.

Designed to promote local arts, customs, and cultural patrimony, the event turns Manali’s bustling Mall Road into a living museum of heritage. Performers in elaborate traditional garb mingled with excited crowds, offering a glimpse into bygone eras.

In conversations, artists focused on reviving ancestral winter cuisines. ‘We’ve centered on time-honored dishes our forebears relished—completely natural and nourishing, free from harmful chemicals,’ one shared. He advocated ditching modern dependencies on pills, insisting that such pure foods could build lifelong vitality and reduce medical reliance for everyone.

A fellow artist made a heartfelt call to preserve fading traditions. ‘Through our community’s rituals, we’re breathing life into lost arts like home-spun yarns and handmade ropes from leaner times. Today, we urge society to sustain these to educate tomorrow’s youth on their value.’

The festive vibe has tourists buzzing. ‘Hoping for snow, my wife and I stumbled upon this gem,’ said Shubham Mittal from Mathura-Vrindavan. ‘The energy on Mall Road is electric—stunning outfits, mouthwatering food, and locals who feel like family. Love the women’s tableaux warning against vices and championing clean living.’

This carnival isn’t just entertainment; it’s a vital thread connecting past and future, drawing global eyes to Manali’s timeless charm while invigorating the tourism sector amid winter’s embrace.

Marking the sun’s northward journey or Uttarayana, Pongal unfolds over four days: Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal. Each day brims with unique rituals—from discarding the old on bonfires to decorating cattle and family reunions. Modi’s global nod amplifies these traditions, already thriving among Tamil expatriates in over 50 countries.

‘Tamil culture is the common heritage of all humanity. Pongal has become a global festival,’ the PM affirmed, emphasizing inclusivity. This comes as Tamil festivals gain traction globally, with events in New York, London, and Sydney drawing diverse crowds. Governments and cultural bodies are increasingly recognizing Pongal’s role in promoting sustainable agrarian practices and communal joy.

Modi’s greetings poured warmth on celebrants, urging a renewed commitment to cultural roots amid modernization. With Jallikattu debates and eco-friendly celebrations in focus, Pongal 2024 symbolizes resilience. As the world embraces this Tamil gem, Modi’s words cement its legacy as a bridge across civilizations, promising richer cross-cultural dialogues ahead.

During a public address, Yadav reportedly stated, “Why do we have to spend money on lamps and candles and put so much thought into it? What can we expect from this government? It should be removed. We will make sure that there are more beautiful lights.” He also advised learning from global Christmas illuminations, which he noted last for months.

BJP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal vehemently criticized Yadav’s comments on social media. He accused the Samajwadi Party leader of praising Christmas during the Diwali season and suggested that the sight of traditional diyas (earthen lamps) had deeply troubled him. Bansal further alleged that Yadav, whom he controversially labeled a ‘so-called messiah of jihadis and conversion gangs,’ exhibits a pattern of glorifying foreign festivals over indigenous Indian culture. He pointed out that Diwali has ancient roots, predating Christianity, yet Hindu society is being advised to learn from Christian customs.

Bansal extended his criticism to governance, claiming that illegal religious conversions flourished under leaders like Yadav, who allegedly included criminals and extremists in their cabinets. He accused Yadav of being disturbed by the burgeoning celebrations in Ayodhya, implying that Christmas, still two months away, seemed to have arrived early for him, while the upcoming Diwali and the diyas made by local potters caused distress.

Further escalating the attack, Madhya Pradesh minister Vishwas Sarang suggested Yadav might be better known as ‘Antony’ or ‘Akbar,’ given his perceived opposition to Diwali worship and lighting lamps. Sarang even questioned the Yadav family’s religious affiliations, proposing an inquiry and linking Yadav’s stance to a historical alleged firing on Ram devotees. He also criticized Yadav for belittling the efforts of the Prajapati (potter) community, whose handcrafted diyas illuminate homes during Diwali, calling it an insult to these traditional artisans.