Ensure simplicity during Kullu Dasehra festivities: chief caretaker Maheshwar

Abhinav Vashisht

Kullu, September 21

The internationally acclaimed Kullu Dasehra festival is set to commence at the historic Dhalpur ground on October 2. The festival is drawing attention not only for its grandeur but also for growing appeals to scale back festivities in the light of the recent rain disaster in Himachal Pradesh.

Maheshwar Singh, Chharibardar (chief caretaker of Lord Raghunath) and senior BJP leader, has urged the state government, through the Deputy Commissioner of Kullu, not to invite Bollywood performers to the festival this year. He said that substantial funds spent on celebrity appearance, often running into crores of rupees, should instead be redirected to supporting families affected by floods in Kullu and neighbouring districts.

He said the monsoon this year had brought unprecedented destruction. Cloudbursts, landslides and torrential rain had claimed hundreds of lives and caused extensive damage to both public infrastructure and private property. In such a scenario, the festival should focus on its religious and traditional essence. “The celebrations should revolve around deities as has been the case for centuries and cultural programmes should highlight local talent,” he added.

Maheshwar Singh objected to activities like tambola and boxing matches being held at the Raghunath Rath ground, calling them inappropriate. He criticised boxing, which, he said, was violent and violated the sanctity of the event. He added that even the representatives of the deities had disapproved of these additions. Instead, he recommended that the Dasehra committee should promote rural sports and traditional games in designated areas outside the sacred ground.

In his letter, the BJP leader stated that the true spirit of Kullu Dasehra was in the gathering of deities and devotees, a spiritual Mahakumbh, not a commercial spectacle. He urged the organisers to prioritise community healing and solidarity over lavish entertainment. Local food stalls, handicrafts and performances by regional artistes, he suggested, would be more appropriate than expensive celebrity shows.

The appeal has been widely circulated and its copies have been sent to the Chief Minister, Governor, Superintendent of Police and the president of the Kullu Municipal Council. Maheshwar Singh said that his views reflected the sentiments of many local residents, who believed that in the time of a crisis, conserving resources to aid disaster-stricken families was both prudent and compassionate.