Phulbani & Koraput Welcome Winter With Joy

Kandhamal: The people of Phulbani, Kandhamal district woke up to a foggy morning on Monday, heralding winter as the state recorded this year’s lowest temperature, at 10 degrees Celsius.

Even though it was a week day, the denizens could be seen out for a morning walk, wearing light woolens to enjoy the change in the weather.

“Winter has touched Phulbani and I am very happy. I love this weather,” said Manoj Patnaik, a local.

“I wait for this nip in the air throughout the year and look forward to my morning walk in the light cold weather,” said Birendra Das, another native of Phulbani.

Winter also spells prosperity for the locals with tourism picking up and brisk sale of woolen garments. Shopkeepers are expecting are expecting a busy season. “It is just the beginning and there is steady flow of customers. I am hoping that the sale will pick up as the temperature dips even more,” said Rajvir Singh, a businessman from
Punjab.

In Koraput district, the blooming of Alasi flowers in the hilly areas is a sign that winter has arrived. Sure enough, they are in full bloom giving ample opportunity to visitors to click selfies with a colourful backdrop.

“Koraput is synonymous with natural beauty, mainly Alasi flowers. They indicate the onset of winter,” said Rabi Satpathy, a native. Given adequate publicity, Koraput can be popularized as a tourist place, feel locals.