Soaring Spirits: Shimla Paragliding Festival and Expo Elevate Tourism and Trade

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Shimla’s third Paragliding Flying Festival & Hospitality Expo 2025 kicks off October 25 in Junga, featuring 15 international and 70 Indian paragliders. The festival includes Pre-World Cup competitions, cultural showcases, local crafts, and celebrity guests like The Great Khali, bolstering adventure tourism and local entrepreneurship in Himachal Pradesh.

Shimla’s scenic Junga area is set for an exhilarating four-day affair from October 25 to 28, 2025, as the third edition of the Paragliding Flying Festival & Hospitality Expo unfolds. This event spotlights Himachal Pradesh as a premier adventure tourism hub while celebrating the region’s rich culture and local enterprise.

Key Highlights — International Participation and Competition

The festival hosts 15 paragliders from seven countries, including top-ranked pilots from China, Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, and Malaysia. Seventy Indian paragliders will also compete.
For the first time in India, the event features both the Pre-Paragliding Accuracy World Cup and Pre-Asian League Championship, marking a historic milestone on the global paragliding circuit.
Renowned judges oversee competitions with cash prizes awaiting winners, ensuring high standards and thrilling sporting action.

Cultural and Hospitality Expo

Over 60 stalls will showcase local crafts, organic foods, wellness products, handicrafts, and eco-friendly innovations, promoting MSMEs, women-led enterprises, and rural entrepreneurship.
Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural performances, traditional Himachali cuisine, and vibrant exhibitions highlighting the state’s heritage.

Celebrity and Political Engagement

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will inaugurate the festival, underscoring government support for adventure tourism and local livelihoods.
Wrestling legend The Great Khali will grace the event as chief guest on October 26, promoting fitness and inspiring youth participation in sports.
Closing ceremonies will be attended by Shimla MLA Harish Janartha and MSME officials, closing with a focus on sustainable tourism growth.

Safety and Scenic Appeal

Safety protocols are strict, with oversight by experienced pilots and standby teams from the State Disaster Response Force and medical personnel.
Junga’s ideal flying conditions and breathtaking landscapes promise unforgettable experiences for participants and visitors alike.
Festival Director Arun Rawat highlights that this event powerfully combines community, courage, and collaboration to elevate Himachal Pradesh on the world adventure map, fostering sustainable tourism and economic empowerment.

Sources: UNI India, The Tribune India, The Print, The Statesman, Shimla District Administration

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