Kullu Dussehra Festival to Begin with Simplicity Amid Focus on Disaster Relief

The week-long International Kullu Dussehra Festival begins on October 2, with this year’s celebrations being observed in a simpler manner. Festival Committee Chairman and Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur announced that significant cost savings have been achieved, and the amount saved—running into crores—will be donated to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. He added that the committee has specifically requested that these funds be directed towards disaster relief and rehabilitation in Kullu town.

Speaking at a press conference, Thakur said that 80 percent of the stalls and all four domes have already been auctioned, generating higher revenue than last year. The theme for this year’s festival is “From Disaster to Celebration.” Performances will primarily feature Himachali artists, many of whom have voluntarily agreed to perform without remuneration. Notably, folk legend “Nati King” Thakur Das Rathi will perform free of charge in solidarity with disaster-affected families, while others have accepted only a fraction of their regular fees.

The cultural program opens on October 2 with performances by Kuldeep Sharma and the City Band. Subsequent evenings will feature Ajay Chauhan (October 3), Arvind Rajput, Diljit, and Lemon Band (October 4), Kumar Sahil and Gopal Sharma (October 5), Ramesh Thakur and Firdaus Band (October 6), followed by Indrajit, Neha Bhardwaj, and Rudra Band (October 7). The grand finale on October 8 will see the return of Thakur Das Rathi as the star performer.

The concluding day will also feature “Mohalla Night” with the traditional Lalhri folk dance performed in the presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The festival will close with the vibrant Kullu Carnival, showcasing tableaux by women’s groups and college students. Additionally, 25 government departments will set up exhibitions alongside 25 self-help groups supported by the National Rural Livelihood Mission at the Kala Kendra grounds.

Thakur praised the committee for preparing an elegant invitation card and commended the Kullu Municipal Council for clearing garbage at the Sarwari entry point. He also noted that several events have been scaled down this year, including the international cultural parade, participation by foreign and out-of-state troupes, and the second stage at the exhibition grounds.

The festival will be inaugurated on October 2 with Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla participating in the historic Rath Yatra and inaugurating a cultural symposium at the Lal Chand Prarthi Kala Kendra. The closing ceremony on October 8, with Chief Minister Sukhu as the chief guest, will conclude with the traditional Divya Juloos (Divine Procession), symbolizing harmony between mortals and deities.