Shimla’s historic Ridge ground is all set to host the much-awaited Winter Carnival from December 24, with the Municipal Corporation completing all preparations for the nine-day cultural extravaganza. Popular Punjabi singer Rohanpreet Singh and singer Pooja Pandit will headline the opening night, promising to warm up Shimla’s cold winter atmosphere with their hit performances.
The carnival, which runs until January 1, 2026, aims to promote Himachal’s cultural heritage while boosting winter tourism in the state capital.
Star-studded lineup announced
On the opening evening of December 24, Rohanpreet Singh and Pooja Pandit will perform from 7 PM to 10 PM, presenting chartbusters like “Reshmi Rumal,” “Do Gallan,” and “52 Gaj Ka Daman.” Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will attend as the chief guest for the inaugural Star Night.
Bollywood playback singer Hema Sardesai and comedian Ibrahim Quraishi will perform on January 1, 2026, marking the grand finale of the carnival.
Complete performance schedule:
| Date | Artists |
|---|---|
| December 24 | Rohanpreet Singh, Pooja Pandit |
| December 25 | Pahadi singers Arun Jasta, Rajeev Sharma |
| December 26 | Pahadi singers Rajesh Tyagi, Pankaj Thakur |
| December 27 | Rama Bharti, Indrajeet Singh, Rajeev Raja |
| December 28 | Ishan Bhardwaj, Sunil Kumar |
| December 29 | Kinnauri singers Birbal, Kaku Ram, Paras, Sanchita Bhardwaj, Sahil Kumar |
| December 30 | Kishan Verma, Kumar Sahil, Anjali Nanak |
| December 31 | Hanny Negi, Harmony of Pine Group, Gaurav |
| January 1, 2026 | Hema Sardesai, comedian Ibrahim Quraishi |
Day-long celebrations planned
According to the Municipal Corporation, the carnival will feature activities throughout the day. On the opening day, December 24:
- 3:00 PM: Mahanati (traditional group dance) by 200 women on Mall Road
- 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Voice of Shimla competition
- 7:00 PM onwards: Star Night performances
Mayor Surender Chauhan stated that the carnival’s objective is to promote Himachal’s cultural heritage and encourage tourism during the winter season. “Visitors will not only enjoy music and dance but also experience folk art and delicious local cuisine,” he said.
Special transport arrangements
To ensure visitors can return home safely after the late-night performances, the Municipal Corporation is coordinating with HRTC to extend taxi services until 10 PM during the carnival.
Mayor Surender Chauhan and Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal announced that HRTC taxis, which normally operate until 6-7 PM, will run until 10 PM to destinations including Sanjauli, Nabha, Mehli, Panthaghati, New Shimla, Jakhu, Bharari, and Summer Hill.
“This will not only increase HRTC’s revenue but also benefit people who would otherwise struggle to find transport late at night,” the Mayor said.
HRTC officials confirmed that once they receive the official request, services will be increased according to demand during the carnival period.
Security and coordination
On Wednesday morning, Mayor Surender Chauhan and Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal held a coordination meeting at Town Hall with ADM Protocol Jyoti Rana and police officials to review security arrangements for the carnival.
Cultural showcase
The carnival will showcase Himachal’s rich cultural diversity with performances by Pahadi and Kinnauri folk artists alongside mainstream performers. The inclusion of local artists like Arun Jasta, Rajesh Tyagi, and Kinnauri singers ensures representation of the state’s indigenous musical traditions.
Beyond musical performances, the carnival will feature:
- Traditional folk art exhibitions
- Local cuisine stalls offering Himachali delicacies
- Cultural displays celebrating mountain heritage
- Interactive events engaging locals and tourists
Tourism boost expected
The Winter Carnival is expected to attract thousands of domestic and international tourists to Shimla during the holiday season. The timing—spanning Christmas, New Year, and the peak winter period—positions it as a major draw for visitors seeking mountain festivities.
With Shimla experiencing unusually warm December weather this year, the carnival offers an added attraction for tourists who might otherwise visit only for snowfall.
Hotel associations and local businesses are anticipating significant footfall, with many properties already reporting increased bookings for the carnival period.
Ridge ground transformation
The historic Ridge ground, which has hosted countless cultural and political gatherings over decades, will be transformed into a vibrant festival venue. The open-air setting against the backdrop of Christ Church and surrounding mountains provides a picturesque location for the nine-day celebration.
The carnival represents one of Shimla’s biggest cultural events of the year, bringing together entertainment, tradition, and community celebration in the heart of the state capital.
Residents and tourists alike are eagerly awaiting December 24 to experience what promises to be a memorable winter celebration on the Ridge.
