New Delhi [India], September 15 (ANI): Kullu Dussehra, a prominent event in India’s cultural calender, will be held this year from October 13 to 19, with the Himachal Pradesh government continuing its efforts to make it more spectacular in terms of participation and scope while retaining its originality and religious significance.
Several new aspects have been added to the annual mela which now attracts international troupes. Apart from the traditional rath yatra and Lanka Dehan, the mela has a cultural parade, a carnival and a fusion cultural programme, which seeks to amalgamate the rhythm and sounds of the traditional music with the melody and strains of the music troupes from abroad.
The festival highlights the glory of tradition in an ambience that is filled with dance, music, gaiety and fervour and provides visitors a memorable experience in an evocative valley filled with natural charm. 
Celebrated annually at the historic Dhalpur ground since the 17th century, the International Kullu Dussehra Festival, witnesses participation of hundreds of local deities along with their hariyans (followers) who pay their respectful obeisance to the chief presiding deity “Shri RaghunathJi Maharaj” in his temporary abode at Dhalpur ground.
All these local deities along with their hariyans take part in the grand Rath procession of Lord Raghunath, which is a great spectacle for the visitors. The Rath Yatra epitomizes the essence of rich traditions and customs of the area, allowing visitors to witness the living heritage of Kullu Valley. It is a time-honoured spectacle that celebrates the spirit of togetherness and reverence.
Addressing ’30 Days to Go’ curtainraiser event here, Sunder Singh Thakur, Chief Parliamentary Secretary in Himachal Pradesh government, said that the cultural parade will be held on October 14. 
“This event is a vibrant tapestry of international, pan-India and district troupes coming together with talented artists to represent their unique cultures and traditions. It’s a celebration of diversity. There are traditional dances and mesmerising music,” he said.
Lalhri, a reflection of deep-rooted traditions of Kullu Valley, will be performed on October 18. The dance form has been passed through generations. The second last day of Dussehra is called Muhalla and all devtas pay attendance before Raghunathji. They come with numerous instruments and flags.
The Kullu Carnival on October 19 will mark the finale of the festival. A repositry of artistry, craftsmanship and enduring spirit of people, it gives a glimpse into the soul of Kulli through traditional attire and age-old rituals. The last day of the festival is known Lanka Dahan.
The festival also showcases works of artisans – intricate textiles, jewellery, exquisite wood and metalwork – apart from culinary delights. Kullu Dussehra has, for centuries, also served as a local trade centre with crop produce, local crafts, pattu-pattis, wooden craft and herbs among the items traded here. Products from Lahaul and Ladakh were also traded and the tradition continues.
Thakur, who is also chairman of the district-level organising committee of the festival, said that nearly 15 international cultural troupes participated through the ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) in Kullu Dussehra last year and it has become a truly global event. He also said they are trying for participation of more international cultural troupes this year and the number will be clear in a few days.
Thakur also released a brochure in connection with the international festival.
He said Kullu is the abode of about 365 local deities and the land is known as ‘Dev Bhoomi’ because of their presence. Invitations have been sent to 332 local deities so far for this year’s event, he said.
Answering a query, he said Kullu has enough hotel accommodation to cater to tourists coming for the international festival from different parts of the country and abroad.
Thakur said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has also given directions for celebrating the event on a grand scale. The trade fairs, which also includes an auto fair, would continue till the Diwali festival. (ANI)
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