We have almost survived the heat of May but still, the high temperature of the summer season doesn’t seem to disappear anytime soon. Hill stations are the best respite to run away from the sweltering heat. Shimla, a hill station, is the summer capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Both, the summer and the Shimla Summer Festival give us a perfect excuse to head to this pretty hill station. Shimla Summer Festival is a renowned event organised by the state administration with the help of locals every year since 1960. This 5-day extravaganza is celebrated in the month of May or June and has become one of the highly anticipated events of the year. This year, Shimla Summer Festival is scheduled to be held from 2nd June 2019 to 7th June 2019 at the Ridge area near Mall road in Shimla.

The Shimla Summer Festival is a way to promote state tourism and encourage local talent. The locals celebrate this festival to welcome the arrival of summer and to offer gratitude to God for the rich crop harvest and to pray that the same blessings are received each year. Shimla Summer Festival is celebrated with great pomp and show and it offers an insight into the rich culture and heritage of the state. And the best part of the festival is that it is absolutely free. No entry tickets are charged for participation.

The opening of Shimla Summer Festival is flagged off with a half-marathon race followed by different sports events. Several competitions are organised for children where they showcase their talent and skills. The children also put up cultural acts and performances. Local folk dance and music performances entertain the tourists during the evening. Celebrities are also invited to further add glamour to the event. A flower show is organised to show-off the beautiful local flora blooming with bright colours. On the other hand, a fashion show based on traditional dresses provides a platform for local designers to showcase their talent. Varying events like poster competition, photography competition, family games, talent shows, poetry recitals, dog shows and local handicraft exhibition add extra charm to the Shimla Summer Festival.

Source: Just Dial

Himachali Film Festival is another interesting event held during the Shimla Summer Festival. It is held at the Historical Gaiety theatre and includes workshops on film making, live theatre performance, and screening of local movies, documentaries and feature films. To add taste and flavour to the Shimla Summer Festival, several food stalls are set up that sell mouth-watering cuisines to all the attendees. These eateries satiate the hunger pangs of the participants and the tourists. Shimla Summer Festival also happens to be one the best times for a shopaholic to visit Shimla. A large number of souvenir, local wood-work, winter-wear and handicraft stalls are set-up that offers items at reasonably cheap rates.

There is something for everyone at the Shimla Summer Festival and it surely would not disappoint you. If you are planning to attend the Shimla Summer Festival, you can book your stay with Sterling Resort. The staff at Sterling Resort will ensure that you get to witness the Shimla Summer Festival in its most authentic form. A short drive from the Summer Festival, Sterling resort is nestled amidst hills and is a perfect place to relax after a long and tiresome day at the Festival. So, head to Shimla this June, have loads of fun at the Summer Festival while you rejuvenate at Sterling resort.

Did you know about the Shimla Summer Festival? Or excited to visit it now? Do let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.