Heritage in motion: Kullu bids grand farewell to Dasehra with splendour

The world-renowned International Kullu Dasehra Festival concluded in spectacular fashion with the much-anticipated Kullu carnival held here today. Despite the drizzle, spirits remained high as over 1,140 participants from Mahila Mandals (women’s groups), cultural troupes and volunteer organisations brought the valley’s rich heritage to life. The carnival was introduced last year during the festival witnessing participation of foreign cultural troupes as well. However, this year no international cultural troupe had been invited to curtail expenses to contribute for disaster relief in Kullu.

The carnival commenced at Rath Ground in Dhalpur and culminated at the Lal Chand Prarthi Kala Kendra, offering a visual feast of cultural pageantry, traditional costumes and thematic tableaux presented by various government departments. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri attended as the chief guest, joined by Sunder Singh Thakur, chairman of the Dasehra Festival Committee.

Women from diverse Mahila Mandals showcased exquisite traditional Kullvi attire, including pattu, dhathu and vibrant scarves in hues of red, green and white. Many were seen spinning wool, knitting and engaging in symbolic demonstrations of ancient crafts — celebrating the region’s cultural identity and spirit of self-reliance. The rhythmic waving of scarves and synchronised steps infused the streets with energy and nostalgia.

As the parade marched along Mall Road, spectators lined both sides, capturing the spectacle on their mobile phones. The entire stretch pulsed with traditional Himachali music, folk songs and chants, creating an atmosphere of celebration and local pride.

Five departments — Disaster Management, Education, DIET (District Institute of Education and Training), Tourism and Sports — presented meticulously crafted tableaux, each highlighting their initiatives and developmental milestones. These creative displays added a modern and informative layer to the carnival, seamlessly blending tradition with progress.

However, the event was not without its challenges. Reports of mismanagement surfaced, citing a lack of coordination, absence of a fixed schedule and inadequate arrangements for spectators. At one point, processions of local deities overlapped with the parade route, leading to congestion and confusion. Several women participants faced discomfort due to poor crowd control and limited viewing areas.

Despite these logistical hiccups, the carnival triumphed in celebrating Himachali culture and community spirit. As rain-soaked performers danced and sang through the streets, their joy and devotion stood as a testament to the enduring power of tradition — unshaken by weather or chaos. It was a fitting finale to the 2025 International Kullu Dasehra Festival.