To celebrate DHR day, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway will organize Ghum Festival starting November. The festival is named after Ghum, the highest railway station in India.
The three-week-long celebration will start from 13th November 2021 and conclude on 5th December, the date the famous railway line received its World Heritage status in 1999.
Northeast Frontier Railway expects the festival to provide a platform for talent from the area to showcase their art and creativity. According to a statement from the zone, the fest will run along 3 verticals, namely: Culture, Adventure and Tourism. Several events will be hosted at the stations and the famous Chaurasta stage in Darjeeling. These will include folk dances, folk music, singing, music and dance performances, stand-up comedy, plays and talent shows.
Local performers, as well as internal talents from Indian Railways, are expected to participate in the various events.
Early morning Heritage Walks will also be organized every day, Mountain Biking and Trackathon events will be hosted on weekends and specific days. Organizations such as Darjeeling Walks, Vikrun Foundation, Mountain Biking Club of Darjeeling, Runners Club have partnered with DHR to host these events, says NFR.
Local vendors/sellers and franchises will be provided spaces in Darjeeling and Ghum Railway Stations to showcase handicrafts, artwork, clothing etc. and sell food and drinks to the tourists for the entire month.
DHR runs several train rides namely Joyrides, Jungle-Tea Safari, New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling Passenger Train and soon-to-be-launched Red Panda. Organizations like Darjeeling Kalimpong Himalayan Tourism Association, Darjeeling Hotel Owner Association, Darjeeling Homestay Association, Darjeeling Hill Runners Association are also working with DHR to make the festival a success, says NFR.