Solan: Shoolini Fair and Historic Railway

Solan can be explored through a range of cultural and historical points of reference. Particularly defining are the annual Shoolini Fair, the Thodo tradition and the Kalka–Shimla narrow-gauge railway. When planning your trip, it helps to distinguish between a stay centered around the fair and the town’s longer-standing historical and railway connections.

Shoolini Fair and festival schedule

The Shoolini Fair takes place each year in the Hindu month of Aashaad. Many visitors come to the shrine, especially during the fair. If you want to plan your trip around the fair, check the exact festival dates in advance: Aashaad is the relevant time of year. On the first day, after making her rounds through Solan, the goddess proceeds to Shoolini Shakti Peeth. She stays there for two nights; on the third day, she returns to her seat. The three-day fair includes cultural programmes, wrestling matches, the Thoda archery game and other sporting events. Aashaad places the fair within the annual calendar, while the procession describes the events of the first three days.

Thodo Ground: traditional game and festival programme

The historic Thodo Ground is associated with the traditional game of Thodo. During the Shoolini Fair, cultural evenings and various competitions are held there. This brings together the ground’s traditional association with the game and the fair’s recurring events. For cultural context, it is helpful to distinguish between two aspects: Thodo refers to the ground’s traditional connection with the game, while the fair programme also includes cultural and sporting events.

Solan’s history and the narrow-gauge railway

Solan was the main town of the princely state of Baghat. Another historical landmark is the Solan Brewery, now Mohan Meakin Brewery, founded by Edward Abraham Dyer in 1855. These milestones point to different aspects of the town’s history—the former political role of Solan and the founding of the brewery.

The Kalka–Shimla narrow-gauge railway also shapes the historical perspective on the town. Built by the British, the railway passes through Solan and is recognized as a World Heritage Site. Solan can also be reached from Kalka by narrow-gauge railway. For travel planning, the railway therefore serves a different purpose from the Shoolini Fair: it connects Kalka to Solan, while the fair is an annual occasion held in the month of Aashaad.

Shoolini Devi Temple is on Old Court Road, about 2 km from Solan city centre. This approximate distance gives you a general sense of its location in relation to the centre and complements the historical and festival-related themes with a specific location.

Plan your travel dates and hotel search

If you plan to travel for the Shoolini Fair, check the exact festival dates in relation to Aashaad. If you are visiting Solan mainly to explore its history and railway connection, the three-day festival schedule is not the main focus. This distinction can help you choose travel dates based on your reason for visiting and then begin your search for a hotel in Solan.

Discover more destinations: Kufri, Bhuin, Kandaghat, Mundaghat, Arki, Kangra, Hamirpur, Baddi

For the broader travel overview: Himachal Pradesh.