International Kullu Dussehra, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most prominent religious and cultural festivals, will take place from October 21 to 27, 2026. Representatives from the state administration, government departments, religious organizations, and cultural committees attended the festival’s curtain-raiser event at Atal Sadan.
This year’s celebration promises to be more spectacular, with international dance performances, an impressive drone display, and a grand laser show among its major attractions. Sunder Singh Thakur, MLA and Chairman of the International Kullu Dussehra Festival Organizing Committee, highlighted the preparations and emphasized the importance of presenting Kullu’s rich cultural heritage to a global audience.
Global Dance to Highlight International Cultural Exchange
One of the biggest attractions of this year’s festival will be Global Dance, a special cultural presentation combining Indian traditional dance forms with performances by international cultural groups. The organizers will hire a professional choreographer to develop the presentation and create a special theme song to make the performance memorable.
Through this initiative, international performers will have an opportunity to experience Kullu’s unique traditions, while also introducing the region’s cultural heritage to audiences in their home countries.
The International Folk Dance Festival will remain another major highlight, bringing together colorful folk performances from Himachal Pradesh and other Indian states. The organizers have invited cultural groups from Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and other northern states. They also expect international groups to participate through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
Spectacular Drone and Laser Shows
Adding a modern touch to the traditional celebrations, organizers have planned a grand drone show on the second, fourth, and sixth days of the festival. Approximately 500 drones will illuminate the night sky with a coordinated visual display.
A spectacular laser show will further enhance the festival atmosphere, creating a unique combination of technology, entertainment, and cultural celebration.
These attractions are expected to draw more visitors and make the 2026 edition of International Kullu Dussehra an unforgettable experience for tourists and local residents alike.
Preserving Kullu’s Centuries-Old Dev Tradition
Kullu Dussehra has deep roots in the region’s religious traditions and dates back to the 17th century. Known as Devbhoomi, or the Land of Gods, Kullu is home to hundreds of local deities whose participation makes the festival distinct from other celebrations across India.
The festival will begin with the traditional Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath, the presiding deity of the celebrations. More than 300 local deities will likely join the grand procession, bringing together devotees and communities from different parts of the valley.
Sunder Singh Thakur emphasized the committee’s commitment to preserving and promoting this historic tradition while making the festival more attractive and accessible to a wider audience. The organizers have invited local deities to participate in this year’s celebrations.
The seven-day festival will continue to showcase the distinctive Dev culture that gives Kullu Dussehra its special religious and cultural significance.
Better Facilities for Exhibitors, Artists, and Visitors
Organizers are also focusing on improving the festival experience for exhibitors, performers, and visitors. According to the committee, organizers have worked to make exhibition plot allotments more transparent and inclusive without increasing base prices.
The festival will feature exhibition stalls from 19 government departments. The committee has encouraged the horticulture and agriculture departments to introduce fresh concepts, innovative displays, and engaging presentations instead of repeating exhibits commonly seen at other fairs and festivals across Himachal Pradesh.
The committee has also announced an increase in prize money for sports activities. In addition, the committee has increased remuneration for artists, performers, and players, recognizing their contributions to the festival and supporting those who preserve the region’s cultural traditions.
The MLAs representing Ani and Banjar also attended the event. However, no additional financial assistance from them was announced during the programme.
Transport, Security, and Cleanliness Arrangements
With a significant number of tourists expected this year, authorities are preparing comprehensive arrangements to ensure public safety and convenience throughout the celebrations.
Home Guards, traffic volunteers, and security personnel will be deployed at strategic locations. Checkpoints and parking arrangements will help manage the expected crowds, while a dedicated control tower will support police surveillance and monitoring across the fairgrounds.
To improve public transportation, 30 electric buses will operate exclusively for the festival. Special bus services will also connect visitors to Ani-Nirmand, Manikaran, Lag, and the Ujhi Valley.
A dedicated de-addiction counselling centre will be established at the exhibition grounds. Specialists will provide guidance and counselling to young people affected by substance addiction, encouraging them and their families to seek appropriate treatment and support.
Cleanliness will remain another priority. The Kullu Municipal Council will undertake cleaning operations after midnight to ensure that the fairgrounds are ready for visitors the following day.
A Celebration That Brings Communities Together
International Kullu Dussehra is much more than a festival. It represents the region’s faith, living traditions, community spirit, and cultural identity. By combining centuries-old religious practices with international performances and modern entertainment, the 2026 celebrations aim to create a meaningful experience for people from India and abroad.
The organizing committee has appealed to residents, representatives of the Dev Samaj, cultural organizations, and other stakeholders to cooperate in making the event successful.
This year’s Kullu Dussehra will offer something for every visitor, featuring traditional deity processions, folk dances, international cultural exchanges, drone displays, laser shows, sporting activities, and improved public facilities.
