Invitation extended to 334 deities for Kullu Dasehra Festival

The sacred palanquins of deities have begun arriving for the seven-day-long International Kullu Dasehra Festival set to commence on October 2.

The festival committee, this year, has extended invitation to 334 deities. Most of them are carried on foot across challenging terrain, while a few travel short distances by jeep. Each participating deity, along with their accompanying traditional bands known as 'bajantaris', receives a 'nazrana' (honorarium) from the committee.

Camp temples for the deities have been designated in the Dasehra ground. In a thoughtful upgrade, the committee has installed pagoda-shaped waterproof tents for many of these temples. Arrangements have been made to accommodate villagers who accompany the deities.

Renowned for its rich cultural and religious significance, the Kullu Dasehra Festival draws thousands of visitors from across Himachal Pradesh, India and even outside the country. This year’s festivities will run from October 2 to October 8, promising a vibrant blend of tradition and celebration.

To ensure smooth conduct of the event, the district administration has implemented a comprehensive traffic and parking management plan. Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh announced that 21 parking sites have been identified across the district with a total capacity of nearly 2,000 vehicles. She assured that all necessary arrangements, including security and public amenities, are in place to accommodate the influx of devotees and tourists.

Traffic diversions will be enforced from September 28 to October 23. Several stretches have been declared tow-away zones. These include Mohal to Dhalpur Chowk, College Chowk to the Kullu Electricity Board Office, Circular Road to Lower Dhalpur and Ramshila–Sarwari–Akhara Bazar Road.

Heavy vehicle loading and unloading between Bhuntar and Ramshila has been restricted to night time hours: from 12 midnight to 7 am.

Designated parking areas include Khori Ropa (500 vehicles), Monal Café (180 vehicles), Tourism Hotel Sarvari (100 vehicles), Old Bus Stand Akhara (30 vehicles) besides other places. Strict enforcement will be in place for no-parking zones, with cranes deployed for vehicle removal.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, traders from across the state and outside have set up temporary stalls in various markets as part of the trade fair, which will continue until November 2.

Festival Committee chairman Sunder Singh Thakur announced that cultural programs will be held every evening at the historic Lal Chand Prarthi Kala Kendra. He confirmed that arrangements have been made for sanitation, traffic control, and law enforcement.

Cultural events will be a major highlight. The Kullu Dasehra Natya Utsav, supported by the Department of Language and Culture, will feature theatrical performances by groups from Gandhinagar, Bhuntar and Kullu on October 5 and 6 at Atal Sadan. A classical music and poetry conference will be held at Dev Sadan on October 3, showcasing both veteran and emerging artists from the region.

Sporting spirit will be on display at the Kullu Dasehra Sports Festival 2025, scheduled at Rath Maidan from October 4 to 7. Events scheduled include volleyball (men and women), boxing and tug-of-war. Teams must register with the sports department by 4 pm on October 3.

The DC stated that all departments and sub-committees are working in close coordination to ensure successful celebrations.