Mandi’s Sneha Wins Winter Queen Title at Manali Winter Carnival 2026

Munish Sood, Mandi

Manali, Himachal Pradesh | The five-day Manali Winter Carnival 2026 concluded late Sunday amid intense snowfall, marking a vibrant celebration of culture and tourism in Himachal Pradesh’s premier hill destination. A key highlight of the closing ceremony was the Winter Queen Contest, in which Sneha from Mandi district was crowned Winter Queen 2026 following a closely contested final round.

The national-level competition attracted 21 participants from across the state and beyond. After multiple elimination rounds, Sneha outperformed five finalists in the concluding stage to secure the title. Sanyogita Thakur of Manali was named First Runner-Up, while Ishita Gurung from Dharamshala claimed the Third Position.

Awards and Recognition

As the winner, Sneha received a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, along with a trophy and the Winter Queen crown. The First Runner-Up was awarded ₹50,000, while the Third Position carried a cash award of ₹30,000.

Cultural Showcase and Official Closing

The carnival’s closing ceremony was officiated by Manali MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur, who formally declared the conclusion of the Winter Carnival 2026. Over the course of five days, Manurangshala in Manali hosted a series of cultural programmes, featuring folk dances, traditional music, and artistic performances representing diverse regions of India. The event drew significant participation from tourists and local residents, reinforcing Manali’s standing as a major winter tourism destination.

Winner Reflects on Achievement

Speaking after being crowned Winter Queen 2026, Sneha said the title marked a significant milestone in her journey, noting that she had participated in the competition for three consecutive years before securing the win.

“This achievement is the result of sustained effort and unwavering support from my family, mentors, and groomers. Their guidance played a decisive role in my success,” she said.

She further described the Winter Queen contest as a prestigious national platform and emphasized the competitive nature of the event.

“The competition was exceptionally demanding, with every participant demonstrating a high level of preparation and commitment. The experience has been both challenging and professionally enriching,” Sneha added.

Runner-Ups Share Their Experience

First Runner-Up Sanyogita Thakur and Third-place finisher Ishita Gurung also reflected on their participation, stating that the platform offered valuable exposure and learning opportunities. They commended the overall standard of the competition and expressed optimism about continuing their professional journeys in the field.

“Reaching this stage has been a rewarding experience. The competition has strengthened our resolve to pursue future opportunities with greater confidence,” they said.