HimVani

Shimla: The month-long Shimla Summer Festival (popular not only in Himachal, but internationally), which kicks off today evening will not be limited to the Ridge ground and will have events in popular tourist places like Kufri and Naldehra as well.

While, the event will have many a cultural programmes, the main attraction, “Star Nights” will be held from June 2 - 6 on Ridge itself.

For the first time, a Himachali Film Festival is also being organised as a part of the Summer Festival. Some other attractions of the festival include a Fashion Show, Himachali Food Festival, Baby Show, Painting Competition and Roller Skating Competition.

A flower show is also being organised in the premises of the Catholic Christ Church on the Ridge. Local handicrafts would also be put on display.

DC Office Shimla, the organiser of the Summer Festival has put up ticket counters at many places in Shimla to attract tourists to these shows.

Hotel occupancy in Shimla, which till last week was at around 50 per cent has gone up to 85 per cent this week. With the plains reeling under rising temperature and summer holidays of schools and colleges on the anvil, the hotel occupancy is slated to go up to 100 per cent in the coming weeks.

Keeping in mind the tourist influx, Northern Railways has also made special arrangements for the season. It has introduced two Holiday Special trains and the frequency of the Rail Car service has been turned daily, which earlier plied on alternative days.