International Kullu Dussehra begins, 347 deities invited; Himachal Governor to inaugurate festival
Shashi Bhushan Purohit
Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), October 21, 2026: The seven-day International Kullu Dussehra festival begins in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, with Governor Kavinder Gupta scheduled to inaugurate the celebrations at the historic Dhalpur ground. The festival, running until October 27, will bring together the region’s centuries-old Dev traditions, Himachali folk culture and international cultural performances.
The Dussehra Committee has invited 347 deities from across Kullu district to participate in the festival. By Tuesday evening, more than 200 deities had arrived at Dhalpur along with their traditional attendants, known as Devlu, and musicians carrying traditional instruments.
Lord Raghunath’s Rath Yatra to Be Held at 4 pm
The grand Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath, the principal religious event of Kullu Dussehra, is scheduled for 4 pm on Wednesday. Deities from different parts of the valley will pay their respects to Lord Raghunath before the procession begins following traditional rituals.
The sounds of drums, karnal, narsingha and other traditional instruments will accompany the celebrations at Dhalpur, where devotees and visitors are expected to gather in large numbers.
Unlike Dussehra celebrations in most parts of India, which conclude on Vijayadashami, Kullu Dussehra begins on the occasion and continues for seven days. Lord Raghunath occupies a central place in the festival, with deities from across the valley gathering at Dhalpur to honour the tradition.
Mata Hidimba’s Arrival to Mark an Important Ritual
Mata Hidimba also holds a significant place in the festival’s religious traditions. On the first day, Lord Raghunath traditionally sends an invitation to Mata Hidimba, who then arrives at the Raghunath Temple to participate in the rituals. The observance reflects the longstanding customs followed by the Dev community.
The gathering of deities, their decorated palanquins, traditional attendants and musicians remains one of the festival’s defining features. For local communities, the event is also an opportunity to preserve cultural practices and pass them on to younger generations.
International Performances, Global Dance and Laser Show Planned
Alongside religious ceremonies, this year’s festival will feature cultural performances from Himachal Pradesh, other parts of India and abroad. A Global Dance programme will showcase cultural traditions from different countries, while drone and laser shows are expected to add contemporary attractions to the celebrations.
The organisers aim to showcase Kullu’s traditional Dev culture on an international platform while offering visitors an opportunity to experience the region’s folk arts and cultural heritage.
Dhalpur Decorated, Businesses Prepare for Tourist Rush
Kullu town and the Dhalpur grounds have been decorated ahead of the festival, with markets, roads and event venues illuminated for the celebrations.
The seven-day event is expected to provide business opportunities for hotels, taxi operators, street vendors, handicraft sellers and other local traders. Vendors operating at Dhalpur, however, will be required to follow the rules laid down for the festival.
Visitors will also be able to explore Himachali cuisine, handicrafts and other aspects of the region’s cultural life.
1,265 Police and Home Guard Personnel to Be Deployed
Authorities have put security and traffic arrangements in place in view of the expected influx of devotees and tourists.
A total of 1,265 personnel will be deployed, including 1,125 police personnel and 140 Home Guards. Security monitoring will be supported by 155 CCTV cameras and drones, while the festival area has been divided into six sectors for crowd management and law and order.
Of the personnel deployed, 430 police and Home Guard staff will be assigned traffic management duties. Checking and monitoring arrangements have also been planned at key locations.
The festival will conclude on October 27, with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu scheduled to attend the closing ceremony.
Over seven days, Kullu is set to host religious rituals, traditional processions, folk dances and international cultural performances, highlighting the continuing role of Dev traditions in the region’s social and cultural life.