Kangra Carnival 2025 Begins in Dharamsala, Marks Grand Start to Tourist Season

The scenic hill town of Dharamsala came alive with colour, music and cultural vibrancy on Tuesday as the eight-day Kangra Carnival was inaugurated, formally ushering in the tourist season in the region. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri inaugurated the much-anticipated event, reiterating the state government’s commitment to developing Kangra as the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh.

The carnival opened with a grand Shobha Yatra led by the Deputy Chief Minister. The procession began from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office and, after paying obeisance at the historic Hanuman Mandir at Kachehari Adda, culminated at the Police Ground, the main venue of the celebrations. Administrative officers, security personnel, cultural troupes and enthusiastic participants — many wearing traditional pagris and ethnic attire — marched to the rhythm of drums and folk music.

One of the highlights of the procession was the vibrant display of Kangra’s rich and cosmopolitan culture. Cultural troupes dressed in traditional Gaddi, Tibetan, Nepalese and Jhamakra attire reflected the region’s diversity. Performers from neighbouring states, including Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, supported by the North Zone Cultural Centre, added a broader Himalayan flavour, transforming the event into a regional cultural showcase.

Interacting with the media, Agnihotri emphasised the importance of large-scale cultural events in unlocking Himachal Pradesh’s tourism potential. He also inaugurated a specially curated haat and craft bazaar, showcasing local handicrafts, art forms and traditional cuisine. Senior district officials and dignitaries accompanied him as he interacted with artists and performers.

The opening day concluded with a high-energy performance by Kerala’s renowned Thaikuddam Band, which drew a large crowd and set an upbeat tone for the carnival. The coming days will feature performances by popular artistes such as Ankit Tiwari, Sufi singer Kanwar Grewal and Babbu Maan.

The Kangra Carnival offers a packed schedule that includes cultural programmes, sports events like marathons, cricket and football tournaments, fashion shows, digital attractions such as drone shows and live broadcasts, a Millets Festival and various youth-centric lifestyle events.

With festivities continuing till December 31, Dharamsala is immersed in a festive atmosphere, attracting visitors from across the country and strengthening Kangra’s growing stature on India’s tourism and cultural map.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister is scheduled to flag off the marathon and distribute prizes to winners on December 25 morning at the SAI synthetic track in Dharamsala.

Read Also : IGMC Shimla Patient Assault Row: Doctors Back Colleague, Family Demands His Dismissal