Shimla gears up for a colourful week ahead

Bollywood and ghazal singers, fashion shows and beauty contests, folk dances and folk songs""these are some of the attractions that will engage the attention of tourists and residents during the week-long Shimla summer festival, starting on Friday.

"On the opening day, popular playback singer Kumar Shano will entertain the crowds and on the last day ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas will perform," said Dinesh Malhotra, additional district magistrate, Shimla, who is in charge of the annual festival.

"Sukhvinder Singh, another playback singer of "chhaian chhaian" fame, and music director Sharvan Rathod, with his troupe, will regale thousands on the Ridge in downtown Shimla," Malhotra said.

To add international flavour, Russian cultural troupes will perform. Top models of the country will walk the ramp at a fashion show, and a pageant show will be there, say organisers.

"During the festival, the art and culture of the hill state will be highlighted by local artists. On the second day, "Pahari Nite" will have local folk dancers and singers from the state," Malhotra said.

In view of the large crowds, he assured tourists, "We will ensure that people with tickets will get seats."

"This year we are organising a Gram Shree Mela (village arts fair). Around 60 artisans from northern, eastern and southern India will display their wares at the show," he added.

The four cinema halls in the town will show children's films. A flower show, cuisine show, and baby show will be some of the other attractions.

"A free health camp on Tibetan medicine will be held from June 7 to 18, on the eve of the birthday of the Tibetan religious leader, the Dalai Lama," an official said.