International artists showcase cultural diversity at Global Dance event; foreign performers groove to Himachali Nati
Kullu, October 22, 2026: Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Thursday said the International Kullu Dussehra was playing a significant role in taking Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, folk traditions and Dev Sanskriti to audiences across the world. Describing the festival as the state’s largest fair, he said Kullu Dussehra had evolved over the years into a grand international event while preserving its historical significance and cultural identity.
Agnihotri made the remarks after witnessing cultural performances by artists from India and abroad at the Global Dance programme held at Rath Maidan in Dhalpur, Kullu. He said new attractions, including the Global Dance event and laser and drone shows based on the concept of Ram Rajya, had added to the festival’s grandeur. He noted that people from across the world eagerly awaited the annual celebration, which had strengthened Himachal Pradesh’s cultural identity on the international stage.
The Deputy Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur in introducing new initiatives and enhancing the scale and appeal of the festival. Congratulating everyone associated with the successful organisation of Kullu Dussehra, he expressed hope that the event would continue to reach greater heights in the coming years.
Highlighting the significance of the Global Dance programme, Agnihotri said cultural exchanges helped promote mutual understanding, harmony and friendship among nations. Around 15 countries participated in this year’s event, with artists from the United States, Russia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Malaysia, among others, joining performers from Ladakh, Spiti and Himachal Pradesh. Dressed in their traditional attire, the artists presented folk dances that reflected the customs, lifestyles and cultural identities of their respective regions.
He said such exchanges gave Himachali people an opportunity to experience international cultures while introducing foreign performers to the state’s rich folk traditions. He added that the participation of international artists did not diminish Himachal’s cultural identity but instead highlighted its uniqueness and strengthened its recognition worldwide.
The programme reached a vibrant moment when artists performed the traditional Himachali Nati to the popular Pahari song “Laga Dolo Ra Dhamaka”. Foreign performers joined the dance, moving to its lively rhythm and creating a colourful celebration of cultural unity, friendship and mutual respect.
During his visit, Agnihotri also offered prayers at the camp of Lord Raghunath Ji and sought blessings. He toured various departmental exhibitions set up as part of the Dussehra celebrations. Later, he attended the second cultural evening of Kullu Dussehra at the Lal Chand Prarthi Kala Kendra as the chief guest.
Those present on the occasion included Himachal Congress in-charge Rajni Patil, Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur, Milkfed Chairman Buddhi Singh Thakur, APMC Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti Chairman Ram Singh Mian, District Congress Committee president Shesh Ram Azad, general secretary Virender Kumar, Kullu Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Sharma, Superintendent of Police Abhishek S. Payaskar, Kullu Municipal Council president Asha Thakur, vice-president Shalini and other dignitaries.
