Shimla gears up for Dasehra with grandeur and harmony

The Queen of Hills is draped in festive hues as Shimla readies itself for the much-awaited Dasehra celebrations at the famous Jakhoo Hanuman Temple. The air in the city is already electric, with thousands of devotees, locals and tourists alike, expected to throng the hilltop shrine.

But what makes Shimla’s Dasehra truly special is the spirit of unity that breathes life into it. The towering effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath, standing nearly 45 feet tall, are crafted not by tradition alone, but by the hands of Muslim artists. For over two decades, the Gazi family has carried this legacy forward. “We’ve been making these effigies for generations. This year, too, a team of 20 of us has been at work for two weeks,” says artist Mousin Khan Gazi, his hands busy giving final touches to the demon king.

Priest BP Sharma of the Jakhoo Temple smiles with satisfaction. “All preparations are done. Thousands will gather to witness the burning of evil and the triumph of good,” he says.

The scale of the festival has kept the administration on its toes. Shimla’s SDM (Urban) confirms a month-long build-up of arrangements: from youth processions led by Nabha Yuva Kendra to additional taxis and police deployment ensuring smooth celebrations. The presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will add to the pomp, with special arrangements for his welcome.

Festive greetings have already poured in from Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and the CM. While the Governor reminded citizens that Dasehra stands for the eternal victory of good over evil, the CM wished peace, prosperity, and happiness for every household in Himachal.

As dusk falls and the effigies crackle into flames against the backdrop of the Shimla sky, the Queen of Hills will once again echo with cheers of victory, faith and harmony.