Renovated Kala Kendra ready; artists from 15–20 countries expected to participate
Kullu, October 15: The International Kullu Dussehra festival, scheduled to be held from October 21 to 27, will bring together global cultures, folk traditions and diverse artistic performances, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of India and other countries.
Festival committee chairman and MLA Sunder Singh Thakur said special efforts were being made to make this year’s celebration more vibrant, grand and well-organised. Addressing mediapersons at Lal Chand Prarthi Kala Kendra in Kullu on Thursday, Thakur said the renovation of the cultural centre had been completed within the stipulated time. He congratulated the district administration and the Public Works Department for completing the work, expressing hope that the upgraded venue would provide a better platform for artists and an enhanced experience for audiences.
Artists from 15–20 countries likely to participate
Thakur said efforts were underway to ensure international participation in the festival. Following a meeting with representatives of the International Cultural Council in Delhi, artists from around 15 to 20 countries are expected to participate. Cultural groups from various states of India will also perform, offering visitors an opportunity to experience diverse artistic traditions.A special international group dance is being planned, featuring foreign artists performing to the traditional folk tunes of Kullu. The presentation will bring international, national and local artists together on one platform to celebrate cultural unity and diversity.
He added that several new attractions would be introduced this year, while local artists would be given adequate opportunities to showcase their talent.
Invitations sent to 347 deities
Highlighting the religious significance of the festival, Thakur said the rich Dev Parampara remained the defining feature of Kullu Dussehra. Invitations had been extended to 347 deities to participate in the celebrations.The festival committee and district administration would make efforts to provide better facilities to Devlus, Gurs and priests accompanying the deities. He said their traditions, dignity and requirements would receive special attention.
Security, lighting and cleanliness in focus
Thakur said the Superintendent of Police had been issued necessary directions to ensure law and order during the festival. Additional CCTV cameras would be installed at key locations, and adequate police personnel would be deployed to strengthen security.
Special lighting and decoration arrangements would be made in prominent areas of the town, including Bhootnath Bridge, Shastri Nagar, Gandhi Nagar and Baba Balak Nath Temple. The administration would also focus on improving cleanliness at the festival venue and across the town. He said the successful organisation of the event would depend not only on decoration and cultural programmes but also on effective traffic management, security, sanitation and public convenience.
The MLA urged the media to highlight the festival’s cultural heritage, positive initiatives and arrangements. He also welcomed suggestions from journalists and local residents to improve the event.
Festival committee’s income rises to Rs 10 crore
Thakur said the festival committee’s income, which stood at around Rs 6.5 crore during the 2023 edition held under his chairmanship, had increased to approximately Rs 10 crore. He said expenditure on arrangements and facilities had also increased alongside the rise in revenue. The available resources were being utilised to improve the festival and provide better facilities to deities and their accompanying Devlus, Gurs and priests.
Kala Kendra to host diverse cultural performances
Thakur said Lal Chand Prarthi Kala Kendra would remain one of the main attractions of this year’s festival. The venue will host cultural competitions and performances, providing a platform for local talent. A dedicated platform is also being planned for the international group dance presentation. Expressing confidence that the festival would gain greater recognition through a blend of local folk culture, traditions from different Indian states and international performances, he said Kullu Dussehra was much more than a religious celebration.
“It represents the rich cultural heritage, folk art and Dev Parampara of Himachal Pradesh,” he said, adding that collective efforts would help make this year’s festival grand, well-organised and memorable.
