Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, presided over the closing ceremony of the International Kullu Dussehra 2026, unveiling a sweeping set of announcements covering infrastructure, healthcare, rural income, and cultural welfare. The weeklong festival, held in Kullu district, concluded with a ₹37-crore-plus package and a raft of welfare commitments directed at local communities and the festival's cultural stakeholders.

Honorarium Hike for Deities and Cultural Performers

Chief Minister Sukhu announced a 5% increase in the honorarium for deities participating in the festival and a 10% hike for Bajantris — the traditional musicians integral to Kullu Dussehra's cultural fabric. He further announced an honorarium of ₹1,100 for the chief Gur of each deity and financial assistance of ₹35,000 for every Mahila Mandal that participated in the event. The moves are aimed at recognising the contribution of local cultural custodians to what has grown into a festival of international standing.

Infrastructure and Connectivity Push

On the infrastructure front, the Chief Minister announced ₹5 crore for connectivity improvement in the Left Bank area of Kullu district and an additional ₹5 crore for the construction of the Manikaran Road. A ₹22 crore sewerage system was sanctioned for Bhuntar, along with the opening of a new electricity subdivision in the town. Further allocations included ₹50 lakh for the Vidyut Command-Bara road and ₹1 crore for construction of a science block at Bajoura school.

Healthcare, Farming and Rural Economy

Sukhu said the government would strengthen Kullu District Hospital by appointing specialist doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff, and equipping it with advanced medical technology. He assured that adequate funds would be made available for healthcare infrastructure improvements. On agriculture, he said the minimum support price for ginger would soon be raised to ₹40 per kilogram to boost farmer incomes and improve rural livelihoods — a move likely to benefit a significant portion of Kullu's farming households.

Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation

Recalling the 2023 disaster that severely damaged Kullu district, Sukhu acknowledged the scale of the destruction and said his government had worked on-ground to deliver relief. He noted that financial assistance for house construction for disaster-affected families had been raised from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹8 lakh. He praised Kullu residents for organising community kitchens during the crisis, calling their spirit of service an inspiration nationally and internationally.

Political Statements and Festival Closing

Sukhu criticised the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, alleging it had weakened education and healthcare, while asserting that his administration was working to reverse that trend. He also dismissed BJP claims about the state's financial position as misleading. The Chief Minister referenced his government's administrative reform initiative, 'Vyavastha Parivartan', as evident in the festival's management. The closing celebrations included the flagging off of the Kullu Carnival, which saw the participation of more than 600 women and artists. Sukhu reiterated that the government would work year-on-year to elevate the scale and organisation of Kullu Dussehra.