Shimla's International Summer Festival: A Cultural Extravaganza

The International Summer Festival in Shimla, set from June 8 to June 12, promises a mix of cultural, sports, and entertainment events. A highlight is the 'Ride of Seven Hills' helicopter tour. Traditional performances and first-time competitions will enrich the five-day festival experience.

The International Summer Festival in Shimla will be organised from June 8 to June 12, featuring a vibrant mix of cultural, sports, and entertainment events, along with a special helicopter joyride showcasing the state's capital, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap said on Tuesday.

Addressing a press conference, the DC said that this year, the Summer festival will feature a unique attraction titled ''Ride of Seven Hills'' - a helicopter joyride that will be offered to tourists and residents to enjoy an aerial tour of Shimla's seven hills.

''The initiative has been planned in collaboration with the company operating heli-taxi services from Chalaunthi. If the response is encouraging, the joyride will be made a regular thing and will be offered in Shimla throughout the year,'' he said.

The DC said, ''During this five-day festival, tourists and locals will get to witness traditional performances, including Mahanati, Chham Dance, Choliya Dance from Uttarakhand, Ghoomar from Haryana, Bhawai from Rajasthan, and Gojri Dance from Jammu and Kashmir''.

''Artists from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Dharamshala, will also perform during the event,'' he said.

Additionally, several first-time competitions will also be held during the festival.