334 Deities Invited for Kullu Dussehra Festival

The vibrant seven-day celebrations from October 2 to 8 promise a spectacular blend of tradition and festivity.

Preparations for the International Kullu Dussehra Festival, beginning on October 2, are underway, with sacred palanquins carrying the deities starting to arrive. This year, the festival committee has sent invitations to 334 deities. While most are brought on foot along challenging paths, a few travel short distances by jeep. Each participating deity, along with accompanying traditional bands known as Bajantaris, receives an honorarium (nazrana) from the committee.

Temporary temple camps have been set up at the Dussehra grounds for the deities. As part of a thoughtful initiative, several of these temples feature waterproof tents shaped like Shivalayas. Arrangements have also been made for the accommodation of villagers accompanying the deities.

Renowned for its rich cultural and religious significance, the Kullu Dussehra Festival attracts thousands of tourists from Himachal Pradesh, across India, and abroad. This year’s festivities, running from October 2 to 8, promise a vibrant mix of tradition and celebration.

To ensure smooth operations, the district administration has implemented a comprehensive traffic and parking management plan. Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Ravish announced the identification of 21 parking areas across the district with a combined capacity of around 2,000 vehicles. He assured that all necessary arrangements, including security and public facilities, have been made to accommodate devotees and tourists.

Traffic diversions will be in effect from September 28 to October 23. Several areas have been designated as tow-away zones, including Mohal to Dhalpur Chowk, College Chowk to Kullu Vidyut Board Office, Circular Road to Lower Dhalpur, and Ramshila- Sarwari-Akhara Bazaar Road. Loading and unloading of heavy vehicles between Bhuntar and Ramshila is restricted to night hours, from 12:00 AM to 7:00 AM.

Designated parking areas include Khori Ropa (500 vehicles), Monal Café (180 vehicles), Tourism Hotel Sarwari (100 vehicles), and the Old Bus Stand Akhara (30 vehicles), among others. Strict no-parking regulations will be enforced, with cranes deployed for vehicle removal if necessary.

To enhance the festive atmosphere, traders from within the state and beyond have set up temporary stalls in various markets under the trade fair, which will run until November 2.

Sundar Singh Thakur, President of the Festival Committee, announced that cultural programs will be held every evening at the historic Lal Chand Prarthi Kala Kendra. He confirmed that arrangements for cleanliness, traffic control, and law enforcement have been made.

Cultural Highlights:

• Supported by the Department of Language and Culture, the Kullu Dussehra Theatre Festival will feature performances by groups from Gandhinagar, Bhuntar, and Kullu on October 5 and 6 at Atal Sadan.
• On October 3, classical music and poetry sessions will be held at Dev Sadan, showcasing senior and emerging artists from the region.

Sports Festival:
From October 4 to 7, the Kullu Dussehra Sports Festival at Rath Maidan will celebrate sportsmanship, featuring volleyball (men’s and women’s), boxing, and tug-of-war. Teams must register with the sports department by October 3, 4:00 PM.

The Deputy Commissioner stated that all departments and sub-committees are working together to ensure the festival’s success.