Kullu Dussehra celebrated at Parliament Hill, Ottawa in global first
Synopsis
For the first time, the spirit of Kullu Dussehra reached Canada's Parliament Hill — backed by 35 Indo-Canadian organisations and graced by wishes from PM Mark Carney. It is a quiet but telling signal of how Himachal Pradesh is using its diaspora to build cultural soft power far beyond the Kullu valley.
Key Takeaways
Kullu Dussehra was celebrated at Parliament Hill , Ottawa, Canada, on 18 October 2026 .
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressed the event virtually, praising the HPGA .
The event was hosted by Marie-France Lalonde , MP for Orleans, and supported by more than 35 Indo-Canadian organisations .
Traditional folk dances Naati and Jhamakra , and a Ram Leela performance, were among the cultural highlights.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney conveyed warm wishes, acknowledging Indo-Canadian contributions to Canada's multicultural society.
The HPGA board reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Himachal Pradesh's heritage and strengthening global diaspora bonds.
The world-renowned Kullu Dussehra festival was celebrated at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, marking a landmark moment for the cultural diplomacy of Himachal Pradesh and the Indian diaspora. The event, held on 18 October 2026, showcased the state's rich spiritual traditions, folk art and culinary heritage on one of Canada's most iconic national landmarks.
Chief Minister Sukhu's Virtual Address
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu virtually addressed the gathering, commending the Himachali Pravasi Global Association (HPGA) for bringing the state's traditions to an international stage. In his video message, Sukhu said the enthusiasm with which the Indian diaspora 'celebrates festivals, culture and traditions across the world reflects the enduring values of Indian civilisation and the legacy of unity in diversity.'
Describing Dussehra as a symbol of the victory of good over evil, Sukhu said the festival 'conveys the message of standing fearlessly for what is right.' He further emphasised that no matter how powerful evil may appear, Dharma will ultimately triumph over Adharma.
Scale and Organisation of the Event
The event was hosted by Marie-France Lalonde, Member of Parliament for Orleans, and organised by the HPGA with the support of more than 35 Indo-Canadian organisations. It brought together members of the Indian diaspora — particularly those with roots in Himachal Pradesh — alongside community leaders, cultural enthusiasts and distinguished guests.
The HPGA board of directors, comprising Bhagya Chander, Arun Chauhan, Vivek Nazer, Sanjeev Thakur, Ashu Kalia and Poonam Guleria, reaffirmed the association's commitment to promoting Himachal Pradesh's cultural heritage and strengthening bonds among Himachalis living across the world.
Cultural Performances and Culinary Heritage
A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of traditional Himachali folk dances, including Naati and Jhamakra, alongside a vibrant performance of Ram Leela. These performances underscored the Indo-Canadian community's efforts to preserve Indian traditions and pass them on to future generations born abroad.
Guests were also offered a taste of Himachal Pradesh's culinary identity, with traditional delicacies including the state's famed Dham being served, reflecting the warmth and hospitality the hill state is known for.
Canadian PM's Recognition and Broader Significance
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney conveyed his warm wishes on the occasion of Kullu Dussehra, acknowledging the importance of cultural diversity and the valuable contributions of Indo-Canadians to Canada's multicultural society.
Chief Minister Sukhu noted that the Parliament Hill celebration reflected Himachal Pradesh's growing international presence and the recognition of its people's skills, talent and leadership globally. This comes amid broader efforts by Indian state governments to leverage diaspora networks for cultural outreach and tourism promotion. By bringing the spirit of Kullu Dussehra to Ottawa, the event reinforced enduring people-to-people ties between India and Canada at a time when bilateral cultural engagement continues to expand.
Point of View
But its diaspora network, organised under platforms like the HPGA, is turning cultural identity into international visibility. The endorsement from Canadian PM Mark Carney, however ceremonial, signals that New Delhi's diaspora diplomacy model is filtering down to state governments effectively. The missing piece is whether these celebrations translate into measurable tourism inflows or investment interest back home — the real test of whether cultural outreach serves anything beyond sentiment.
NationPress
18 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kullu Dussehra and why is it world-renowned?
Kullu Dussehra is an internationally recognised week-long festival celebrated in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh, distinct from the rest of India in that it begins after Vijayadashami rather than on it. It is renowned for its grand processions of local deities, traditional folk performances and the gathering of hundreds of thousands of devotees, earning it a place on UNESCO's cultural calendar.
Why was Kullu Dussehra celebrated at Parliament Hill in Ottawa?
The event was organised by the Himachali Pravasi Global Association (HPGA) with support from over 35 Indo-Canadian organisations to showcase Himachal Pradesh's cultural heritage on an international platform. Parliament Hill was chosen as one of Canada's most iconic national landmarks to give the festival maximum visibility and symbolic significance.
Who hosted and addressed the Ottawa Kullu Dussehra event?
The event was hosted by Marie-France Lalonde, Member of Parliament for Orleans. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu delivered a virtual address, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney conveyed his wishes on the occasion.
What cultural performances were featured at the Ottawa event?
The celebration featured traditional Himachali folk dances including Naati and Jhamakra, and a performance of Ram Leela. Traditional Himachali cuisine, including the famous Dham, was also served to guests.
What is the significance of the HPGA's role in this event?
The Himachali Pravasi Global Association (HPGA) organised the event to promote Himachal Pradesh's cultural heritage, unite Himachalis living abroad and strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Canada. Its board of six members reaffirmed the association's ongoing commitment to these goals at the Ottawa event.
