Ghum Festival 2025 concludes with expanded programming and heritage run

DIMAPUR — The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has concluded the Ghum Festival 2025, marking what officials described as one of its most successful editions, with a series of new programmes and wider community participation. The closing ceremony was presided over by Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway.

This year’s festival introduced several first-time events, including the Kurseong Literature Festival, the DHRUMA Music Festival, the Iron Sherpa Heritage Run, open-roof cultural performances on board trains, and expanded heritage walks, exhibitions and art showcases. DHR stated that the expanded programming and deeper collaboration with local groups strengthened the festival’s position as a significant celebration of hill heritage and the legacy of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

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According to the NFR, the festival also coincided with the 26th anniversary of DHR’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To mark the occasion, the inaugural Iron Sherpa Heritage Run was organised exclusively for local residents. Nearly 200 participants ran from Darjeeling Chowrasta to Ghum, the country’s highest railway station. Following the strong response, DHR announced that the event will be held annually on December 5.

After the run, participants and guests took part in an open-roof cultural programme aboard the Darjeeling–Ghum–Darjeeling train, featuring performances that highlighted the region’s music, dance and cultural traditions.

During the closing ceremony, the Director of DHR thanked partners, participants and supporters, saying the festival underscored the railway’s commitment to preserving its heritage while strengthening ties with local communities.