Mussoorie, Dec. 23 -- The district administration is set to host the annual Winterline Carnival in Mussoorie from December 24 to 29, with this year's six-day event themed around celebrating 25 years of Uttarakhand's statehood. Officials said the carnival will offer a wide range of cultural, adventure and heritage-based activities for tourists visiting the hill town during the peak winter holiday season. Sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Mussoorie and secretary of the Winterline Committee Rahul Anand said on Monday that all preparations for the carnival have been completed. "The Winterline Carnival this year will be organised over six days and will focus on showcasing Uttarakhand's rich and diverse culture as part of the silver jubilee celebrations of the state. A series of live cultural performances and other activities have been planned so that tourists can experience the essence of Uttarakhand," he said. Officials said artists for various programmes have been finalised and Mall Road has been illuminated with ornamental lights. Brochures detailing the schedule of activities have also been released. "The carnival will feature star gazing sessions, heritage walks, adventure sports, music and dance performances by regional artists, and a food festival highlighting traditional cuisine prepared from millet-based crops," Anand added. The hospitality industry has extended financial support to the event, expressing hope that the carnival will help attract tourists back to the iconic hill station. Sanjay Agarwal, president of the Mussoorie Hotel Association, said over 100 members of the association have voluntarily contributed funds to support the various activities planned during the carnival period. "The inaugural procession will pass through major markets of Mussoorie and culminate at Gandhi Chowk, where the carnival flag will be unfurled on December 24," Agarwal said. He added that a special documentary honouring the legacy of Indramani Badoni, a leader of the statehood movement, will also be screened on the opening day. Authorities have announced strict traffic restrictions during the carnival. Tourists have been advised to book accommodation in advance and make arrangements for cold weather, officials said....