Dedicated to victims Kullu Dasehra takes a sombre turn

The upcoming International Kullu Dasehra Festival will take on a more solemn tone this year, with organisers deciding against inviting foreign cultural groups in view of the recent natural disaster that caused widespread devastation across Himachal Pradesh.

Festival Committee chairman and local MLA Sunder Singh Thakur, who chaired a preparatory meeting at Atal Sadan on Friday, said the move responds to public sentiment and ensures that funds saved will be redirected toward rehabilitation and relief. “This year’s Dasehra will be dedicated to the victims of the disaster, blending divine tradition with social responsibility,” he said.

Cultural evenings will feature only Himachali folk artists and troupes, many of whom have volunteered to perform for little or no compensation. All programmes will be held at Lal Chand Prarthi Kala Kendra. While the customary cultural parade has been suspended, the Kullu Carnival will showcase local heritage along with a tableau on safe construction and disaster preparedness.

Thakur emphasised that the Dasehra remains a sacred congregation of deities, priests and devotees from across the district. To ensure smooth conduct, about 1,500 police personnel will be deployed, traffic and parking measures tightened and shuttle bus services arranged. The Bhootnath Bridge is also set to reopen for small vehicles ahead of the festivities.