SHIMLA: Continuing her five-day summer sojourn to the “Queen of Hills,” the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, was the guest of honor at a grand state banquet hosted by Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta at the Lok Bhavan in Shimla on Tuesday evening. The event served as a formal welcome to the President, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of the Himalayan state.
The President, who arrived in Shimla on April 27, 2026, was received at the venue with traditional warmth. Governor Kavinder Gupta, alongside the Lady Governor Smt. Bindu Gupta, presented the President with a colorful bouquet and a commemorative memento, symbolizing the deep respect of the people of Himachal Pradesh.
A Distinguished Gathering of State Leadership
The banquet saw the attendance of the top brass of the Himachal Pradesh administration and judicial circles. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who has been personally overseeing the arrangements for the presidential visit, was present to greet the President.
The guest list included:
- Sh. Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha.
- Sh. Mukesh Agnihotri, Deputy Chief Minister.
- Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, along with other senior judges.
- Sh. Sanjay Gupta, Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh.
- Senior Members of Parliament, MLAs, and top civil and police officials.
The gathering provided a platform for informal interaction between the President and the state’s leadership, focusing on the shared vision for the development and preservation of the hill state’s unique ecological and cultural identity.
Celebrating the Summer Sojourn
President Murmu is staying at the Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra, a historic retreat that serves as the official summer residence for the President of India. This visit marks a continuation of the tradition where the Head of State spends time in the cooler climates of the North or the South (Rashtrapati Nilayam) to engage more closely with regional governance and residents.
Earlier in her visit, the President was welcomed at the Kalyani helipad in Chharabra, where she was accorded a Guard of Honor. The state banquet is considered one of the highlights of the official itinerary, offering a moment of dignified celebration amidst her busy schedule.
Itinerary for the Remainder of the Visit
The President’s stay in Himachal Pradesh is not merely ceremonial; it includes several high-profile site visits and academic engagements.
- April 29: The President is scheduled to visit the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang, a marvel of Indian engineering that has revolutionized connectivity for the Lahaul and Spiti districts.
- April 30: She will grace the convocation ceremony of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya in Palampur, emphasizing the importance of agricultural research and education in the region.
- May 1: Before concluding her visit, she will visit the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) in Shimla, reflecting the region’s strong ties to the Indian Armed Forces.
Strengthening the Bond with the Hill State
The presence of the President in Shimla is seen as a significant morale booster for the state. Governor Kavinder Gupta, who took office earlier in March 2026, has emphasized that such visits strengthen the bond between the Union and the State. During the banquet, the Governor highlighted the state’s progress in environmental protection and tourism, areas where the President has often expressed a keen interest.
As the evening concluded at Lok Bhavan, the traditional flavors of Himachal were showcased, leaving a lasting impression of the state’s hospitality. The city of Shimla remains under a specialized security umbrella, with nearly 1,000 personnel ensuring a smooth experience for the visiting dignitary and the public alike.
Conclusion
The state banquet at Lok Bhavan was more than a formal dinner; it was a celebration of Indian democracy and the constitutional bridge between the center and the states. As President Droupadi Murmu continues her tour, the focus remains on the blend of heritage, development, and the scenic beauty that defines Himachal Pradesh.
