A day of love, faith and tradition

Shimla came alive as thousands of women thronged The Mall, The Ridge and other markets to prepare for the Karwa Chauth festival. Married women were seen shopping for sweets, gifts and other festive essentials, while numerous Mehndi artists set up stalls across the town to adorn hands with intricate henna designs.

Despite intermittent rainfall in the afternoon, the festive spirit remained undeterred. Women continued shopping and getting their Mehndi done under rain shelters, ensuring preparations went on uninterrupted.

Neelam, a Shimla resident, said she visited The Mall with friends to get her Mehndi done and buy festival essentials. “Every year, I fast for the long life of my husband and visit The Ridge with him to celebrate. This year too, we plan to do the same, though the rain might alter our plans,” she said.

Dinesh, a Mehndi artist from Chandigarh, added that while the demand was high, the afternoon showers impacted business slightly, though he continued designing Mehndi for women who braved the rain.