Ten countries to participate in Global Dance; Satinder Sartaaj, Salman Ali, Kaka and Rohanpreet Singh among star attractions
No street vendors to be allowed at Dhalpur from October 21 to 27; safety and convenience of deities to remain top priority
Kullu, October 20: The International Kullu Dussehra Festival 2026 is set to bring together divine traditions, Himachali folk culture and global artistic diversity, offering visitors a unique cultural experience from October 21 to 27 at Dhalpur ground.
With 347 deities invited to the week-long festival, the organisers have placed the preservation of traditional customs, religious sanctity and the safety and convenience of the deities at the forefront. As part of these arrangements, street vendors and temporary stalls will not be permitted at Dhalpur ground during the festival period.
This was announced by Kullu MLA and International Dussehra Festival Committee Chairman Sunder Singh Thakur during a press conference at the Multipurpose Building in Kullu on Tuesday. Deputy Commissioner and festival committee Vice-Chairman Dr Amit Kumar Sharma and Superintendent of Police Abhishek S. were also present.
Thakur said the festival would be inaugurated by the Governor on October 21, who would participate in the Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is scheduled to attend the festival as the chief guest on October 26.
Preserving the sanctity of Dev Sanskriti
Thakur said International Kullu Dussehra was much more than a cultural event, representing Himachal Pradesh’s religious faith, historical traditions and distinct cultural identity. The participation of hundreds of deities and the centuries-old rituals associated with them give the festival its unique character and distinguish it from celebrations elsewhere.
He said the committee was making arrangements in coordination with various departments to ensure suitable facilities for the arrival, accommodation and religious activities of the deities. The needs of devalus, karakuns and devotees accompanying the deities would also be addressed, with proper arrangements for movement, accommodation and security.
The committee, he added, was committed to respecting the sentiments of the Dev Samaj and ensuring that all religious activities were conducted in accordance with established traditions.
No street vendors at Dhalpur during festival
The festival committee chairman reiterated that street vendors and temporary stalls would not be allowed at Dhalpur ground from October 21 to 27.
He said the decision was aimed at ensuring that religious activities remained uninterrupted and the traditional character of the festival was preserved. He appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate with the administration and follow the prescribed arrangements for the smooth and safe conduct of the celebrations.
A global stage for culture and traditions
This year’s festival will showcase an impressive blend of international performances, Indian folk arts and Himachali cultural heritage. Special choreographed presentations are being prepared, featuring international artists performing to traditional Kullu melodies.
Thakur said the event would provide local artists and cultural traditions with an international platform while allowing visitors to experience the music, dance and customs of different countries. The fusion of Kullu’s traditional sounds with international dance forms is expected to be among the festival’s distinctive attractions.
Global Dance to feature performers from 10 countries
The Global Dance programme will be one of the major highlights of International Kullu Dussehra 2026. Cultural groups from Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the United States, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Egypt, Sri Lanka and Nepal will participate in the international performances.
The programme will also feature traditional dance forms and folk arts from Himachal Pradesh and other Indian states, including Ladakh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Kerala and Manipur.
October 22: Cultural groups from Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the United States and Russia will perform. Participants from the LAC-Himachal contingent and Ladakh will also take part.
October 24: Performances will feature international groups from Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the United States, Thailand, Malaysia, Egypt, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Indian presentations will include artists from Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Kerala’s Kathakali tradition and Manipur. Two student groups associated with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) will also participate.
October 26: International cultural groups, along with ICCR student contingents, will return to the stage. Indian participants from Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Kerala and Manipur will showcase their respective traditions.
The Global Dance programme is expected to strengthen the festival’s international profile while promoting cultural exchange and giving audiences an opportunity to experience diverse artistic traditions under one roof.
Kullu Carnival to showcase women’s groups
Local women’s groups will participate in the Kullu Carnival, presenting traditional performances that reflect the region’s customs, folk traditions and cultural heritage.
The initiative aims to provide rural cultural talent with greater visibility and encourage women’s participation in public and community celebrations.
Thakur said the festival would also give prominence to rural games and national-level sporting competitions, creating opportunities for local talent and bringing together culture, sports and community participation.
Seven evenings of music and entertainment
The cultural evenings at Lal Chand Prarthi Kala Kendra will feature a diverse line-up of Himachali folk music, Punjabi songs, Sufi performances, live bands and popular singers.
The programme will bring together established performers and regional artists throughout the seven-day festival.
October 21: Mamta Joshi, Rajiv Raja, Yugm Himalayan Route and Abhigya Band will perform.
October 22: Popular singer Salman Ali will headline the evening, alongside Divya Srivastava, Ayush, Pankaj Dogra and Birbal Kinnaura.
October 23: Punjabi singer Kaka will be the main attraction, with Kumar Sahil, Ajay Chauhan and Himachali folk singer Sunil Rana also scheduled to perform.
October 24: Himachali folk singer Kuldeep Sharma, Tattva Band and the police band ‘Feet of Fire’ will take the stage.
October 25: Punjabi singer Rohanpreet Singh will headline the evening, alongside Ramesh Thakur, Anuj Sharma and Laman Band.
October 26: Renowned Sufi singer Satinder Sartaaj will be the star attraction, with Inderjeet and Firdaus Band also scheduled to perform.
October 27: The concluding cultural evening will feature Thakur Dass Rathi, Kushal Verma, Khushboo and other folk artists.
Drone and laser shows to debut at the festival
For the first time, International Kullu Dussehra will feature drone and laser shows, adding a modern visual dimension to the traditional celebrations.
The shows are scheduled for October 22, 24 and 26 at Rath Maidan. The organisers expect the illuminated aerial displays and coordinated light effects to become major attractions for residents and tourists.
The initiative aims to combine modern technology with the festival’s rich cultural atmosphere, offering visitors a new experience while retaining the event’s traditional identity.
Administration to focus on safety and smooth movement
Thakur said maintaining security, traffic management, cleanliness and public convenience during the festival would require coordinated efforts by the administration, the festival committee and all concerned departments.
He appealed to residents and visitors to participate in the celebrations, respect the traditions associated with the deities and cooperate with the authorities to ensure the successful and orderly conduct of International Kullu Dussehra 2026.
With its blend of religious devotion, international dance, regional folk performances, sporting events and new-age light shows, the festival is expected to present Kullu’s cultural heritage on a global stage while keeping its centuries-old Dev Sanskriti at the heart of the celebrations.
