Kullu Dussehra 2026: Governor Kavinder Gupta inaugurates week-long festival at Dhalpur Ground
Synopsis
Over 347 deities descended on Dhalpur Ground in Kullu as Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta inaugurated the International Kullu Dussehra Festival on 21 October — a week-long celebration of Dev Sanskriti, folk tradition and regional identity that doubles as the state's single biggest cultural tourism event of the year.
Key Takeaways
Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta inaugurated the International Kullu Dussehra Festival at Dhalpur Ground, Kullu on 21 October 2026 .
The festival opened with the traditional Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath , attended by more than 347 deities from across the Kullu Valley.
The Governor described the festival as an expression of Himachal Pradesh's Dev Sanskriti and called it an enduring symbol of the state's cultural identity.
Governor Gupta urged citizens — especially youth — to back the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision through new skills, innovation and environmental protection.
The festival is positioned as a platform to boost tourism , support local handicrafts and generate employment for communities in the Kullu Valley.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, inaugurated the week-long International Kullu Dussehra Festival at the historic Dhalpur Ground in Kullu, setting in motion one of the state's most significant cultural and religious celebrations. The festival drew more than 347 deities from across the Kullu Valley for the traditional Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath, which marked the ceremonial opening.
The Grand Commencement
The inauguration commenced with the revered Rath Yatra procession of Lord Raghunath, the presiding deity of Kullu, with over 347 deities from various corners of the Kullu Valley converging at Dhalpur Ground. The convergence represents a centuries-old tradition that blends devotion, folk customs and regional identity into a single, sweeping spectacle. Governor Gupta's wife, Bindu Gupta, was also present at the ceremony.
What the Governor Said
Extending greetings to citizens, Governor Gupta described the Kullu Dussehra as far more than a religious observance — calling it a living expression of Himachal Pradesh's Dev Sanskriti, folk traditions, collective faith and social harmony. He said the unique confluence of Dev and Lok Sanskriti gave the festival its distinctive character and made it an enduring symbol of the state's cultural identity.
Invoking the significance of Vijayadashami, the Governor said the life and ideals of Lord Shri Ram inspire society to walk the path of truth, duty, justice and righteousness. He called upon citizens to stand united against social evils — particularly drug abuse, violence and corruption — and to uphold national unity and integrity under the spirit of 'Nation First'.
Development, Environment and the Viksit Bharat Vision
Governor Gupta invoked the government's Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, urging citizens — especially the youth — to acquire new skills, embrace emerging technologies, champion innovation and remain rooted in their cultural heritage. He stressed that development must proceed in tandem with environmental conservation, noting that Himachal Pradesh's mountains, forests, rivers and biodiversity are irreplaceable natural assets that must be protected for future generations.
Tourism and Economic Significance
The Governor underscored the festival's dual role as a cultural showcase and an economic engine. He said the International Kullu Dussehra Festival provides a global platform for Himachal Pradesh's cultural heritage while boosting tourism and creating livelihoods for artisans, producers of traditional goods, and local entrepreneurs. He emphasised that the festival's traditional character and authenticity must be preserved even as its economic benefits are widened to reach local communities more equitably.
The Governor later inaugurated exhibitions organised by various government departments, boards, corporations and non-governmental organisations, visiting stalls to view displays. He also offered prayers to Lord Raghunath, seeking peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people of Himachal Pradesh and the nation. The festival is expected to draw visitors from across India and abroad over the coming week.
Point of View
But its economic weight — drawing visitors, sustaining artisan livelihoods and anchoring Himachal Pradesh's autumn tourism calendar — deserves equal attention. Governor Gupta's explicit linkage of the festival to the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision signals an attempt to anchor local tradition within the national development narrative. The recurring emphasis on drug abuse and social evils from the inauguration stage reflects the state's anxiety about a problem that has accelerated among Himachal's youth in hill districts. Whether the festival's tourism dividend actually filters down to local craftspeople and vendors — rather than aggregating with larger operators — remains the harder, less-celebrated question.
NationPress
21 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Kullu Dussehra Festival?
The International Kullu Dussehra Festival is an annual week-long cultural and religious celebration held at Dhalpur Ground in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. It is distinguished from Dussehra elsewhere in India by its unique tradition of hundreds of local deities converging for the Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath, making it one of the country's most distinctive regional festivals.
Who inaugurated Kullu Dussehra 2026 and when?
Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta inaugurated the festival on 21 October 2026 at the historic Dhalpur Ground in Kullu. His wife, Bindu Gupta, was also present at the ceremony.
How many deities participate in the Kullu Dussehra Rath Yatra?
More than 347 deities from across the Kullu Valley participate in the traditional Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath that opens the festival. This mass convergence of local deities is the defining feature that sets Kullu Dussehra apart from celebrations elsewhere in India.
Why is Kullu Dussehra significant for Himachal Pradesh?
The festival is considered the state's most prominent cultural and religious celebration, serving as a showcase of Himachal Pradesh's Dev Sanskriti and folk traditions to a global audience. It also plays a significant economic role by boosting tourism and creating livelihood opportunities for local artisans, traditional product sellers and entrepreneurs.
What was the Governor's key message at the inauguration?
Governor Kavinder Gupta called on citizens to unite against social evils such as drug abuse, violence and corruption, and urged the youth to embrace the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision by acquiring new skills and protecting the environment. He also stressed that the festival's traditional character must be preserved while ensuring its economic benefits reach local communities.
