MSME Fest 2026: A Celebration of Culture and Entrepreneurship in Shimla
A Vibrant Festival at Shimla's Ridge Ground
Munish Sood
MANDI: Shimla's iconic Ridge Ground is gearing up to host a dynamic festival that will blend Punjabi hits with the essence of Pahadi folk music. The Himachal Pradesh Department of Industries is organizing this exciting event.
This three-day festival will spotlight micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), creating a lively public atmosphere where culture fuels discussions on entrepreneurship, self-sufficiency, and growth.
The event aims to embody Himachal Pradesh’s vision of transitioning from 'Local to Global' by featuring business showcases, mentoring opportunities, and curated cultural evenings at the state's most famous venue. RD Nazeem, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries), emphasized that the festival aims to merge entrepreneurship, innovation, and culture, with musical nights enhancing dialogues on investment, market access, and self-reliance.
The festival will kick off on January 3, featuring Punjabi star Gary Sandhu as the main act, which is expected to attract national attention. Additionally, folk singer Piyush Raj from Chamba will perform alongside cultural groups from Sirmaur, Hamirpur, Mandi, and Chamba, creating an evening that combines popular music with local authenticity.
On January 4, the musical festivities will extend to various venues in Shimla. Renowned ghazal artist Surendra Khan will perform at Peterhof, while the Ridge will showcase celebrated hill artists, including Indian Idol contestant Nitin from Kangra, Saurav Attri, and folk singer Hemant Sharma. The evening will also feature Geeta Bhardwaj and performers Jatin Kumar and Jyoti, along with cultural groups from Kinnaur, Kullu, Kangra, and Shimla, presenting traditional art forms that highlight the state's rich heritage.
Beyond the entertainment, MSME Fest-2026 will act as a vital platform for entrepreneurs and startups across Himachal Pradesh. Over the three days, exhibitors will present a diverse array of products and innovations, ranging from handloom and handicrafts to food processing and agri-based solutions. The exhibition is anticipated to attract buyers, investors, and industry stakeholders, offering local businesses a chance to broaden their market presence and forge new partnerships.
Dr. Yunus, Director (Industries), stated that the festival's goal is to promote youth-led enterprises, enhance market access for local products, and initiate new investment discussions.
In addition to exhibitions, a series of workshops, mentoring sessions, and networking opportunities will be available, providing entrepreneurs with direct access to experts, policymakers, and ecosystem partners. These interactions are expected to assist startups in refining their business models, navigating regulatory frameworks, and exploring funding options.
As winter envelops Shimla, the Ridge is set to come alive with sound, color, and purpose. By balancing enterprise with artistic expression, MSME Fest-2026 conveys a broader message that economic self-reliance is cultivated not just through policies and markets, but also through culture, confidence, and community.