The Department of Tourism, Himachal State Government and the Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration have jointly organised the Himalayan Festival in Shimla, India. The festival was aimed at promoting friendship and cultural understanding among peoples living in the Himalayan region. Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and Sikyong Lobsang Sangay visited different stalls and exhibitions of cultures, handicrafts and traditional medicines of the Himalayan regions.