Shimla Flying Festival & Hospitality Expo 2025 Takes Off in Junga
The third edition of the Shimla Flying Festival and Hospitality Expo 2025—now recognized as a Pre-World Cup and Pre-Asian League event—launched with great enthusiasm in Junga on Saturday, transforming the valley into a lively canvas of color, culture, and camaraderie.
Naresh Chauhan, Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, officially inaugurated the festival and flagged off the paragliding pilots. This year, the skies of Junga welcome over 59 international pilots from seven countries, including China, Nepal, Malaysia, Spain, and Germany, alongside participants from ten Indian states. The four-day event also features more than 50 hospitality brands and MSME investors showcasing their offerings.
Speaking at the event, Naresh Chauhan emphasized that the festival is poised to give Junga a fresh international identity, boosting tourism and creating self-employment opportunities for local residents. He also toured the stalls set up by investors and self-help groups from across the country.
A.K. Gautam, DFO MSME Solan, highlighted the significance of the Ministry of MSME’s approval for the SFF Hospitality Expo 2025. He described the expo as a pioneering platform that brings together key players from hospitality, adventure tourism, wellness, food and beverage, organic products, handicrafts, and travel services—all aimed at revitalizing the region’s tourism ecosystem.
Festival Director Arun Rawat welcomed the dignitaries and shared that the Shimla Flying Festival, first launched in 2023, has grown rapidly due to its success. This year’s international recognition as a Pre-World Cup and Pre-Asian League event marks a major milestone. Rawat also noted that startups, MSMEs, and self-help groups have been given special priority, with generous stall fee concessions—80% off for general category entrepreneurs and free stalls for SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs.
The event was graced by several prominent figures including Chief Minister’s OSD Saurabh Chauhan, State Food Commission Chairman Dr. SP Katyal, APMC Shimla Kinnaur Chairman, Zilla Parishad member Santosh Sharma, Tehsildar Junga Narayan Singh Verma, SDO PWD Devesh Thakur, and Dr. Manoj Verma from Civil Hospital Junga, among others.
Spotlight on Pilots: Familiar Faces and New Horizons
Aman Thapa from Nepal Returns for a Hat-Trick
Aman Thapa, the reigning champion of the last two Flying Festivals, is back in Junga for the third time. At just 25, Aman has been paragliding since the age of ten and has competed across India and Nepal—including Bir Billing, Mizoram, Kerala, Dharamshala, and Bilaspur. He’s been training in Junga for the past week, aiming to clinch the top spot once again.
Yang Jin of China Soars into Junga for the First Time
International paragliding champion Yang Jin is making his debut at the Shimla Flying Festival. Captivated by the natural beauty of Junga, he expressed gratitude to the organizers for the opportunity to participate and explore the region’s scenic charm.
