Shimla Summer Festival

Shimla Summer Festival is a multi-day cultural festival held in May or June in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. It has been held since 1960.

The Shimla Summer Festival was instituted in 1960[1] as one of three summer festivals to increase tourism in Himachal Pradesh.[2] It gives thanks to the gods for the harvest and opens the summer season; it usually takes place in May, sometimes in June.[3]

Held at the Ridge Ground in Shimla,[1][4][5] the festival includes a fair selling local products and traditional arts and crafts, food stalls, a flower show, performances by both local folk musicians and touring musicians, theatre performances, a magic show, a fashion show showcasing traditional dress, a sports tournament, musical, poster making and photography contests, and a dog show.[3][6][7][8] It attracts many visitors.[9]

The 2022 festival scheduled events all day for the first time.[8] The 2023 festival was held over four days starting June 1, with monitored access and the city divided into five security sectors.[10]

  1. ^ a b Anjali Krishnan, "10 Beautiful Indian Festivals That You Just Can’t Afford to Miss This Summer", The Better India, 28 April 2022, retrieved 31 January 2023.
  2. ^ Lalit Mohan, "Nod to revival of Dharamsala summer fest", The Tribune India, 7 April 2022, retrieved 31 January 2023.
  3. ^ a b "About Shimla Summer Festival Himachal", Tour My India, 2020, retrieved 30 August 2022.
  4. ^ "Fair & Festivals", District of Shimla, retrieved 30 August 2022.
  5. ^ Shruti Shende, "Seize the summer with these festivals!", Hindustan Times, 13 May 2022, retrieved 30 August 2022.
  6. ^ "Shimla Summer Festival 2022", Festivals of India, retrieved 30 August 2022.
  7. ^ "Shimla Summer Festival", Shimla Guide, retrieved 30 August 2022.
  8. ^ a b "Guru Randhava to add Glamour to Shimla Summer festival", The Statesman, 5 June 2022, retrieved 30 August 2022.
  9. ^ "Shimla Summer Festival 2022: A Riot of Colours And Festivity in Himachal Pradesh", India.com, 2 June 2022, retrieved 30 August 2022.
  10. ^ Rahul Bhandari , "Shimla International Summer Festival 2023: A Fusion of Cultural Delights Begins Today", The News Himachal, 1 June 2023, retrieved 9 July 2023.