International Kullu Dussehra curtain raiser ceremony held at New Delhi

Chief Parliamentary Secretary (CPS) Sunder Singh Thakur, also the Chairman of District Level International Kullu Dussehra Organizing Committee, said that the International Kullu Dussehra would be organised from 13th to 19th October, 2024 at Kullu this year. He said that efforts were being made to ensure participation of more countries this year, besides adding a special event ‘Fusion Cultural Programme’. The new event would present a fusion of Indian and foreign cultural heritage, he stated, adding that the International Dance Festival would be the major highlight of the event showcasing culture of various participating countries along with the colorful folk dances of Himachal Pradesh.

Sh. Thakur was addressing the ’30 Days to Go’ Curtain Raiser Ceremony held in Himachal Sadan, New Delhi, late evening on Friday.

The CPS gave a glimpse of the historical tradition of Kullu Dussehra, which dates back to the 17th Century, and added that Kullu is the abode of about 365 local deities. He added that invitations have been sent to 332 local deities so far for this year’s event.

He said that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed to celebrate the event on a grand scale. Hence efforts were not only being made to improve the quality of events but the focus was also on the splendour and grandeur, the CPS remarked. He added that the seven days long event would be celebrated as per the custom of previous years, however, the Commercial Trade Fairs would continue till Diwali festival which includes Auto Fair, Exhibitions and Stalls put up by the Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Textiles and various other organisations.

The Curtain Raiser Ceremony is being held at New Delhi to spread awareness among people in the Capital, as it offers a broader platform to publicise the event which showcases the rich cultural heritage of district Kullu and the state. The Dussehra Festival is a huge tourist attraction where people can also purchase exquisite items like handicrafts, woollen clothes and other traditional and local items.

The CPS stated that people from across the country and all over the world were welcome to visit Kullu and witness the festivities and spectacle of Dussehra. He said that Rath Yatra, Cultural Parade, Kullu Carnival, Lalhri, Sports Events, Kalakendra Performances and Trade Fair would be the main highlights of the Seven days long event.

The CPS also released the International Kullu Dussehra Brochure on the occasion.

Principal Resident Commissioner S.K. Singla detailed about the event.

Chief Conservator of Forests Neeraj Chadda and Assistant Commissioner to DC Kullu Shashi Pal Negi were also present on the occasion.