Dev Bhoomi Prepares for a Bigger and Brighter Kullu Dussehra Celebration

The International Kullu Dussehra Committee Chairman and MLA, Sundar Singh Thakur, kicked off celebrations for the upcoming festival by presiding over a vibrant curtain-raiser ceremony in New Delhi. He announced that the world-renowned week-long extravaganza will take place from October 21 to 27, 2026, in Kullu. Governor Kavinder Gupta will inaugurate the festivities, while Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will preside over the closing ceremony.

This year’s celebration promises an unprecedented global cultural exchange, headlined by an international dance festival showcasing folk performances from countries such as Thailand, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and the USA—with participation expected to reach 24 nations. Backed by cultural partners like the ICCR, NZCC, and SZCC, the event will blend traditional local heritage with modern spectacles, including high-tech drone and laser shows.

Rooted in a rich legacy dating back to the 17th century, the festival honors Kullu’s identity as Dev Bhoomi, with invitations already extended to 346 local deities. Operating under directives to expand the festival on a grand scale, organizers have integrated vibrant departmental exhibitions, local sports competitions, and anti-drug awareness campaigns (Nasha Mukti Abhiyan). The New Delhi preview successfully highlighted the valley’s exquisite handicrafts, woolen garments, and unmatched tourism appeal, welcoming travelers nationwide to experience the grandeur of the celebrations.