Himachal’s Winter Assembly Session Returns to Dharamsala Early

As the chill of winter begins to settle over Himachal Pradesh’s hill stations, the state’s political machinery is gearing up for its own seasonal migration. Speaker Kuldeep Pathania has announced that the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha’s winter session will be held in Dharamsala from November 26 to December 5—marking a shift from the usual end-of-December schedule.

But this isn’t just a calendar tweak. It’s a thoughtful move aimed at preserving the serenity of Himachal’s tourism hotspots during the festive rush of Christmas and New Year.

A Session That Respects the Season

Dharamsala and its neighboring gem, McLeodganj, are magnets for holiday travelers seeking snow-capped views and spiritual calm. In past years, the Assembly’s winter session—held during peak tourist season—brought with it traffic bottlenecks, security restrictions, and a flurry of official activity that clashed with the leisurely pace of vacationers.

“This year, we’ve decided to move the session up to late November to avoid disrupting the festive experience for tourists,” said Speaker Pathania. “We want governance to be efficient, but also sensitive to the rhythm of the region.”

A Longer, More Purposeful Sitting

The upcoming session will span eight days—longer than the typical four or five-day winter sittings. This will help the Assembly meet its annual target of 35 sittings for 2025, following a robust monsoon session earlier this year that clocked in 12 sittings.

Pathania assured that all logistical arrangements are underway to ensure smooth proceedings. He also plans to personally visit Dharamsala to oversee preparations.

A Tradition Rooted in the Hills

The winter session in Dharamsala isn’t just a bureaucratic convenience—it’s a tradition that dates back to 2005, when the late Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh first held it at Tapovan. But the seeds of this idea were planted even earlier, in 1994, when Singh introduced the concept of the “winter sojourn”—a fortnight-long shift of the entire state government to Dharamsala.

The goal was simple yet profound: bring governance closer to the people of Kangra, Chamba, Una, and other districts in lower Himachal. Over the years, this seasonal relocation has become a symbol of accessibility and regional inclusion.

Where Policy Meets the Peaks

As lawmakers prepare to convene in the shadow of the Dhauladhar range, the winter session promises not just legislative debate, but a reaffirmation of Himachal’s unique blend of tradition, tourism, and thoughtful governance.

In Dharamsala, where monks chant and tourists sip tea with mountain views, politics will once again find its place among the pines.