The International Shimla Summer Festival 2025 is set to be held from June 1 to 5 at the historic Ridge Maidan, featuring a blend of cultural performances, celebrity appearances, and social awareness campaigns. The announcement was made by Shimla Deputy Commissioner and Summer Festival Committee chairman Anupam Kashyap during a planning meeting at Bachat Bhawan.
This year, the festival will spotlight two key social themes: ‘Drive Against Drugs’ and ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, with a strong focus on engaging the youth and spreading awareness about critical issues in the region.
The five-day celebration will include performances by renowned singers from Punjab, Bollywood artists, and local talent. A grand ‘Nati’ performance—a traditional Himachali folk dance—will be performed daily at 3 pm in front of the Police Reporting Room. Additionally, efforts are underway to invite international cultural groups, emulating the style of Kullu Dussehra and Mandi Shivratri festivals.
In collaboration with NZCC Patiala, performances representing various Indian states will also be showcased to promote cultural diversity and heritage.
A wide range of events and competitions will be organised across Shimla, including:
- Painting and quiz competitions
- Road safety awareness programs
- Natural flower show
- Healthy baby competition
- Himachali food festival
- Sports activities like roller skating and a table tennis tournament for school students at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex
The festival will also serve as a platform to revive Shimla’s historic markets, once celebrated for their unique products and local craftsmanship. Special initiatives will aim to restore their original charm, attracting both tourists and local youth.
Due to ongoing construction on Ridge Maidan, the main stage will be relocated to a different spot on Ridge Maidan. Earlier, the Public Works Department (PWD) was directed to complete all renovation work by the end of April to ensure timely festival preparations.
A souvenir and a coffee table book featuring vintage photographs of Shimla will be unveiled during the festival, highlighting the town’s rich heritage and scenic beauty.
The meeting was attended by Municipal Commissioner Bhupendra Atri, Additional District Magistrate Jyoti Rana, and other senior officials, who discussed logistical and promotional strategies to ensure the festival’s success.