Shimla, Aug 11: The apple festival, first in its kind, would be held in this capital hill resort from August 28-31. The festival, to be held at the historic Ridge Maidan, would be jointly organised by the state tourism department and the Shimla Hotels and Restaurants Association.
Stating this here today, the association joint secretary Rajeev Madan said that during the festival tourists, and even the local residents would be taken to apple orchards and would be encouraged to pluck the apples directly from the trees. Himachal Pradesh is known as the apple bowl of the country.
Mr Madan said besides exhibiting various varieties of apples grown in different parts of the state, a fancy dress show, an apple parade, painting, singing, dancing and photography competitions and a cultural programme would be organised during the four-day festival. He said the orchardists of the state, who would participate in the festival, would compete for awards like the 'Apple King' and 'Apple Queen', besides the 'Apple Prince' and 'Apple Princess' awards. Bureau Report