Munish Sood
MANDI: From Punjabi chartbusters to the soul of Pahadi folk, Shimla’s iconic Ridge Ground is set to resonate with music, innovation and enterprise as the Himachal Pradesh Department of Industries will be hosting
The three-day festival will place micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the centre of a vibrant public celebration where culture amplifies conversations on entrepreneurship, self-reliance and growth.
The fest aims to translate Himachal Pradesh’s “Local to Global” vision into a lived experience by bringing together business showcases, mentoring platforms and curated cultural evenings at the state capital’s most recognisable venue. Addressing the media, RD Nazeem, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries), said the festival is designed to reinforce the convergence of entrepreneurship, innovation and culture, with star music nights lending rhythm to discussions on investment, market access and self-reliance.
The opening night on January 3 will see Punjabi sensation Gary Sandhu headline the celebrations, drawing national attention to the event. Adding a strong regional flavour, Chamba-born folk vocalist Piyush Raj will perform alongside cultural troupes from Sirmaur, Hamirpur, Mandi and Chamba, setting the tone for an evening that blends popular appeal with hill authenticity.
On January 4, the musical narrative expands across venues in Shimla. While renowned ghazal singer Surendra Khan is scheduled to perform at Peterhof, the Ridge will host a line-up of celebrated hill artistes, including Indian Idol alumnus Nitin from Kangra, Saurav Attri, and Shimla-based folk singer Hemant Sharma. The evening will also feature folk vocalist Geeta Bhardwaj, performers Jatin Kumar and Jyoti, along with cultural groups from Kinnaur, Kullu, Kangra and Shimla, presenting traditional art forms that reflect the state’s rich and diverse heritage.
Beyond the spotlight, MSME Fest-2026 will serve as a comprehensive platform for entrepreneurs and startups from across Himachal Pradesh. Over three days, exhibitors will showcase a wide range of products and innovations — from handloom and handicrafts to food processing, agri-based solutions and emerging technology ventures. The exhibition is expected to draw buyers, investors and industry stakeholders, providing local enterprises an opportunity to expand market reach and build new partnerships.
Dr Yunus, Director (Industries), said the objective of the festival is clear: to encourage youth-led enterprise, strengthen market access for local products, and facilitate new investment conversations.
A series of workshops, mentoring clinics and networking sessions will run alongside the exhibitions, offering entrepreneurs direct access to experts, policymakers and ecosystem partners. These interactions are expected to help startups refine business models, understand regulatory frameworks and explore funding opportunities.
As winter tightens its grip on Shimla, the Ridge is poised to glow with sound, colour and purpose. By giving equal space to enterprise and expression, MSME Fest-2026 underlines a broader message that economic self-reliance is built not only through policy and markets, but also through culture, confidence and community.
