October 21: The week-long International Kullu Dussehra festival has opened in Himachal Pradesh, with the traditional Rath Yatra, cultural performances and a substantial security deployment drawing attention to the Dhalpur festival grounds. The announced programme runs from October 21 to 27.
Key highlights
- The festival is scheduled for October 21–27 in Kullu.
- The Tribune reported that organisers invited 347 deities.
- ANI reported deployment of 1,125 police personnel and 140 home guards across six sectors.
- Visitors should check daily transport, traffic and performance arrangements locally.
A living festival, not just an evening concert
Reporting from Kullu on Wednesday, ANI described visitors joining the celebrations and quoted the priest of Shringa Rishi Maharaj about the deity’s arrival at Dhalpur. The account also included a visiting American tourist’s description of the procession, markets, dancing and cultural atmosphere.
Local publication Keekli reported that Governor Kavinder Gupta inaugurated the festival at Dhalpur Ground and witnessed the Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath Ji. Its account emphasised the festival’s connection with local religious traditions, tourism and handicrafts.
That context matters when planning a visit. The ceremonial procession and activities associated with the deities are central to the event; the scheduled stage performances are another part of a much wider gathering.
At a glance
| Item | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Dates | October 21–27, 2026 |
| Main festival area | Dhalpur, Kullu |
| Deities invited | 347, according to organisers cited by The Tribune |
| Security | 1,125 police personnel and 140 home guards, according to ANI |
| Deployment structure | Six sectors, supervised by eight DSP-rank officers |
Music and transport plans
The Tribune’s Abhinav Vashisht reported that committee chairman Sunder Singh Thakur announced a programme mixing Sufi, Bollywood, Punjabi, Himachali and international performers. The October 22 line-up includes Salman Ali, Divya Srivastava and Ayush, with local performers Pankaj Dogra and Birbal.
The same report said transport arrangements would include more than 40 Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses, around 35 of them electric, alongside local services. These are announced arrangements, not a guarantee that a particular seat or departure will be available to every visitor.
Security numbers need context
ANI quoted Superintendent of Police Abhishek Sengar on the six-sector deployment and supervision by eight deputy superintendents of police. Our calculation: the two reported personnel figures add up to 1,265: 1,125 police personnel plus 140 home guards.
These figures describe the announced deployment. They do not establish a crowd attendance total or remove the need to follow instructions at barriers and procession routes.
What visitors should watch
Check the day’s programme before travelling, confirm the last available return service and allow extra time near the festival grounds. Families should agree a meeting point in case they become separated. This is practical visitor guidance, not a newly issued police order. For live road closures and changes to venue access, local administration and police notices should take priority over an older festival preview.
File photo: Kondephy, 2011; CC BY-SA 3.0. Crop and resize also available under CC BY-SA 3.0. Image source · Licence.
Sources
- The Tribune: Drone show, laser lights to dazzle Kullu Dasehra
- ANI / WebIndia123: International tourists delighted by celebrations of International Dussehra Festival in Kullu
- Keekli: Governor Gupta Opens Kullu Dussehra Emphasizing Tradition and Unity
The National Desk covers India's politics, governance, security and public-interest news. Stories are checked against at least two credible sources before publication.
