Lahaul tourist spot shuts to ensure religious festival proceeds with silence

India is called the ‘land of diversity,’ where many follow their beliefs with utmost devotion. People here celebrate different festivals, religions, traditions, and live in harmony while preserving their culture and traditions. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you when Lahaul valley’s Sissu scenic point at the northern end of the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh announced that it will remain closed for tourists for the next 50 days so that they can proceed with their local religious festival without ‘noise’.

Sissu is home to Lahaul deity Raja Ghepan, which has become one of the main tourist spots due to the Atal Tunnel and beautiful night halts. Reason why many hotels and homestays have emerged here, thereby boosting the local economy. However, the residents add that although business is important, their faith and religious duties are supreme.
Referring to this, Sissu gram panchayat even passed a resolution that Sissu’s hotels, homestays and guest houses will stop taking bookings from now till February 28. The panchayat has also requested police and the district administration to cooperate.

If reports are to go by, everyone related to tourism activity has already shut their business, and have started worshipping all the deities. The Halda festival will start on January 15, which will be followed by Dron and Puna, which are New Year festivals. The gram panchayat added, “We need absolute silence in the region, so not only the village but also Sissu’s lake, nursery and helipad will be closed. We want a few tourist-free days.”
He further added that tourists will have a few days of inconvenience, but these religious duties are important for them. He also stated that there should not be much impact on tourism since these spots get disconnected after snowfall, and that they will return to normal activities, farm work, and businesses only after 50 days.