Punjabi beats to Pahadi tunes: MSME Festival to celebrate ‘Music of the Hills’
Three-day event to reinforce ‘Local to Global’ vision
The ‘Queen of Hills’ will witness an uncommon fusion of enterprise and performance as a musical journey from Gary Sandhu’s Punjabi beats to Pahadi folk melodies will enthrall audiences during the MSME Fest-2026 from January 3 to 5.
The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) Festival, being organised by the Department of Industries, will celebrate ‘Music of the Hills’ as several local artistes will be given an opportunity to showcase their talent.
“The event that places micro, small and medium enterprises at the centre will allow music and culture to animate the city’s most recognisable public space,” said RD Nazeem, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries). He said the fest would reinforce the ‘Local to Global’ vision by presenting a distinctive convergence of entrepreneurship, innovation and culture. A curated star music nights will lend rhythm to conversations on innovation, investment and self- reliance, he added.
The opening night on January 3 will be led by Punjabi chart-topper Gary Sandhu. Chamba-born folk vocalist Piyush Raj, alongside cultural troupes from Sirmaur, Hamirpur, Mandi and Chamba, who will set a tone that blends popular appeal with regional authenticity.
On January 4, ghazal singer Surendra Khan will perform at Peterhoff, while the Ridge will host a line-up of celebrated hill artistes, including Indian Idol fame 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.
During the three days, entrepreneurs and startups from across the state will exhibit products, ranging from handloom and handicrafts to food processing innovations, agri-based solutions and emerging tech ventures.
