In a heartwarming first, the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a UNESCO World Heritage marvel, is all set to blow the birthday whistle for its beloved toy train on July 4, marking the date the first locomotive chugged its way up the misty hills from Siliguri to Darjeeling in 1881.
In collaboration with the North Bengal Painters Association, the DHR has declared this historic day as ‘Toy Train Day’, a celebratory leap into heritage tourism that blends nostalgia with cultural vibrancy. What was once just a charming relic of colonial engineering will now be feted annually with colour, creativity and community.
The inaugural celebration at Sukna Railway Station, near Siliguri, promises to be a vivid affair. From drawing contests and live art installations to poster-making competitions and painting exhibitions, the day will see participation from schoolchildren, local artists, tourists and top officials from DHR. The entire event will orbit around a singular theme: the legendary toy train.
The DHR’s birthday bash isn’t merely symbolic. Railway authorities believe such events are a stepping stone toward rejuvenating the image of the toy train in the global tourism circuit. With previous attractions like the Ghoom Festival and Summer Festival already boosting footfall, this year’s 'Toy Train Day' is expected to carve a permanent place on the cultural calendar.
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“This is history in the making,” said DHR Director Rishabh Chowdhury, adding, “For the first time, we are commemorating the birth of the toy train. It’s more than a celebration— it’s a tribute to a moving piece of heritage. From this year onward, July 4 will be remembered and celebrated annually.”
Beyond festivities, the DHR is also on track for infrastructural upgrades. Aiming increase the number of Joy Rides, procure state-of-the-art engines from Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, and renovate museums, workshops and stations along the route, several measures are underway. These are aimed at preserving the toy train’s old-world charm while making it more attractive to modern travellers.
Sanjay Dey, President of the North Bengal Painters Association, echoed the emotional resonance of the occasion: “The toy train is stitched into the very fabric of our childhood. It’s not just a mode of transport— it’s a living memory. Celebrating its birthday is like paying homage to a dear old friend.”
With plans to even screen films aboard the train during the summer holidays, the DHR is blending cinematic charm with mountain magic. As the whistle blows this July 4, Darjeeling won't just be watching history— it will be riding it.
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