Himachal: Parts of Lahaul and Spiti, higher reaches of Kullu see mild snowfall; tourists ecstatic
Shimla (PTI): Koksar, Zanskar, Sumdho and few other isolated places in Lahaul and Spiti, and the higher areas of Kullu district, including Rohtang pass, experienced a mild spell of snowfall on Wednesday, with tourists and residents fervently sharing its videos over social media.
While a thin carpet of snow settled in these areas, the tourists' enthusiasm knew no bounds as they revelled in the snowy landscape, with little care of the severe cold conditions that prevailed through the day.
A large number of tourists have made a beeline for Himachal Pradesh to usher in the New Year at the picturesque hill resorts.
With tourists thronging the popular destinations, including Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Shimla, Kauali, and Chail, stakeholders in the tourism sector and allied industries are pinning their hopes on the Met department forecast of light snow and rainfall over the next two days (January 1 and 2) at the higher areas in the state, expecting the fresh snow cover to attract more tourists during the holiday season.
The Met office has predicted light to moderate precipitation in several places in the higher and middling hills on New Year's Day and isolated areas in these regions on Friday (January 2). Rain and snowfall in isolated areas was also forecast for January 5 and 6.
However, snow eluded the thousands who thronged tourist hotspots of Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Kasauli and Dalhousie.
The sky remained overcast in Shimla and icy winds lashed the town causing a sharp fall in mercury.
Maximum temperatures dropped by a few notches across the state, with Solan recording the highest day temperature at 19.5 degrees Celsius, a drop of seven degrees since yesterday.
Yet, the spirits remained high, with the popular hill stations decked up in bright lights as tourists revelled in the vibrant carnivals hosted at multiple locations.
In order to provide facilities and entertain the tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh, to enjoy its natural beauty and festive spirit, winter carnivals were organised at Shimla and Dharamshala, besides small carnivals at several other places, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
Talking to the media persons here on Wednesday evening, he hoped that the state became addiction-free and self-reliant in 2026.
Himachal Pradesh witnessed the driest December in 2025 with 99 per cent deficit rains and all twelve districts barring Lahaul and Spiti district which received 99 percent deficit rains, the deficit was 100 per cent.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
