Gary Sandhu’s Punjabi Beats to Pahadi Folk Melodies, MSME Fest 2026 to Celebrate Musicof the Hill

This January, the iconic Ridge Maidan in Shimla will witness an uncommon fusion of enterprise and
performance. From 3 to 5 January 2026, the Department of Industries, Government of Himachal
Pradesh, will host MSME Fest–2026, an event that places micro, small and medium enterprises at
the centre—while allowing music and culture to animate the city’s most recognisable public space.
Mr. R. D. Nazeem Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) said, the Fest will reinforce the “Local to
Global” vision by presenting a distinctive convergence of entrepreneurship, innovation and culture.
Curated Star Music Nights will lend rhythm to the conversations on innovation, investment and self-
reliance.
The opening night on 3 January will be led by Punjabi chart-topper Gary Sandhu. Chamba-born folk
vocalist Piyush Raj, alongside cultural troupes from Sirmaur, Hamirpur, Mandi and Chamba will set a
tone that blends popular appeal with regional authenticity.
On 4 January, the musical narrative expands across venues. While ghazal singer Surendra Khan will
perform at Peterhof, the Ridge will host a line-up of celebrated hill artistes, including Indian Idol
alum Nitin from Kangra, Saurav Attri and Shimla-based folk singer Hemant Sharma, folk vocalist
Geeta Bhardwaj, and performers Jatin Kumar and Jyoti. Cultural groups from Kinnaur, Kullu, Kangra
and Shimla will complete the evening with traditional presentations.
Beyond the Spotlight
Three days, entrepreneurs, startups from across Himachal Pradesh will exhibit products ranging
from handloom and handicrafts to food processing innovations, agri-based solutions and emerging
tech ventures.
According to Dr. Yunus Director (Industries), the objective is clear: encourage youth-led enterprise,
strengthen market access for local products, and facilitate new investment conversations.
Workshops, mentoring clinics and networking sessions will provide entrepreneurs direct access to
experts and ecosystem partners.
Winter Nights, a Larger Message
As winter tightens its grip on Shimla, the Ridge will glow with sound, colour and purpose. By giving
equal space to enterprise and expression, MSME Fest 2026 underlines a larger message—that self-
reliance is built not only through policy and markets, but also through culture, confidence and
community.
In these three days, the Ridge will not just host performances; it will reflect Himachal Pradesh’s
evolving story—where craftsmanship meets ambition, youth meets opportunity, and music becomes
the backdrop to economic transformation.