31, May,2010

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh is set for the famous International Summer festival, an annual event which would begin on 2nd June.  Shimla which derives its name from goddess 'Shayamla Devi', a manifestation of Goddess Kali is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks. Fondly referred to as the 'Queen of Hills', Shimla has always courted attention. Shimla was a military hill station in the nineteenth century and subsequently became the ‘summer capital’ of erstwhile British during pre-independence days.

 The seven hills of Shimla overlooking the town snuggle an assortment of architectural styles. Besides, the town has one of the longest stretches of pedestrian road and shopping in the world - the Mall.This picturesque hill-station offer a gamut of experiences be it adventure, leisure or entertainment. It is no secret that people of Himachal Pradesh needs no reason to celebrate. The landscape of the State is made more spectacular by an array of rich fairs and festivals. If you are on the look out for an irresistible concoction of local culture amidst the cool climes of the town, you are in luck.

The Shimla summer festival will be organized at the Ridge. The 5-day long Summer Festival will continue to entertain people till the 6th of the month. People from the nearby areas come to Shimla to have a glimpse of this eagerly awaited festival. Shimla assumes the color of festivity during this time. This event is an added attraction for the tourists. During summer festival, the historic town of Shimla witnesses a surge in tourist arrivals.

The Shimla Summer Festival attracts both locals as well as foreign tourists. During summers, hoards of tourists from across the world turn up to be a part of this cultural festival. Major attractions of the festival includes Star Nights, Himachali folk singers, Himachal Food Fest, Painting competitions, Dog Show, Baby show, Band Competition, The Musical/Dance Programmes, Fashion Shows, Flower Shows, display of Himachali Handicrafts  etc.

The Shimla Summer festival which is being organised here since the 1960s projects the rich tradition and culture of the state. The summer festival of Shimla is a gala time for the people of Shimla and marks the advent of summer season formally. It is a grand carnival of music and dance. The summer festival in Shimla observes various local folk dance performances besides a number of performances made by the students of various schools in Shimla.  

Apart from local artists, budding talents from reality shows will steal the show this time. Dance group KumKum Dhar and party from Punjab, Sufi singer Dr Mamta Joshi, Sugandha Mishra of Laughter Challenge fame, Arsh Preet and Ravinder Ravi from Indian Idol, Sujata Mazumdar from Bollywood and comedians Surinder Farishta, Deepak Raja and Balwinder Vicky will regale the audience. Besides, famous local singer Puran Shiva, Geeta Bharadwaj, Surinder Kumar of SareGama fame and leading Punjabi singer Satwinder Satti will also perform at this cultural bonanza. 

The Chief Minister, Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal will inaugurate the festival while the Horticulture Minister, Shri Narender Bragta would grace the occasion on the concluding day. Like other festivals celebrated across the length and breadth of State, Shimla Summer Festival too injects a new lease of life to the rich cultural heritage of State.