Flying Festival and Hospitality Expo Take Off in Junga with a Spectacular Start — 59 International Pilots from Seven Countries Participate

Junga, October 25: The picturesque valley of Junga came alive with a burst of color on Saturday as vibrant paragliders filled the skies for the grand opening of the Shimla Flying Festival and Hospitality Expo 2025. The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister’s Principal Media Advisor, Naresh Chauhan, who formally flagged off the participating pilots.

The four-day festival has drawn 59 international paragliding pilots from seven countries — including one from China, four each from Nepal and Malaysia, one from Spain, and one from Germany. In addition, pilots from 10 Indian states are also taking part. Over 50 hospitality brands, MSME investors, and startups have set up their stalls at the venue.

Naresh Chauhan said the event would help place Junga on the international tourism map and open new avenues of self-employment for local residents. He also visited various stalls set up by investors from different states and local self-help groups.

DFO MSME Solan, A.K. Gautam, described the Shimla Flying Festival–Hospitality Expo 2025 as a major achievement, noting that its approval by the Ministry of MSME was a “significant milestone.” He added that the platform would serve as a boon for stakeholders from sectors such as hospitality, adventure tourism, wellness, food and beverages, organic products, handicrafts, and travel services. The event aims to revive tourism’s former vibrancy and strengthen the entire hospitality ecosystem.

Meet Director Arun Rawat shared that the festival was first launched in 2023 and, owing to its positive response, is being held this year as a Pre–World Cup and Pre–Asian League event. He noted that startups, MSMEs, and self-help groups have been given priority this year, with an 80% discount on stall fees for general entrepreneurs and free stalls for SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs.

Among those present on the occasion were CM’s OSD Saurabh Chauhan, State Food Commission Chairman Dr. S.P. Katyal, APMC Shimla–Kinnaur Chairperson, Zila Parishad Member Santosh Sharma, Tehsildar Junga Narayan Singh Verma, SDO PWD Devesh Thakur, and Dr. Manoj Verma, along with officials from various departments.