Kullu festival opens with traditional fervour

The Kullu councillors today welcomed local deity Gouhri Devta with traditional rituals to inaugurate the three-day Spring Festival, locally known as Pipal Jatra. The deity will remain seated in a temporary camp temple at the exhibition ground for the duration of the festivities.

The origin of the Pipal Jatra date back to the 15th century, when it was celebrated as Rai Ri Jaach (Fair of the King). Back then, over sixteen local deities participated, and the event served as a platform for the rulers of Kullu to address public grievances while enjoying folk songs and dances. The Laldi dance, performed with evening fire rituals at Dhalpur, was once a major highlight. Over time, the fair has evolved into a vibrant cultural event and a significant source of revenue.

Traders from across India have set up stalls at Dhalpur grounds, contributing approximately Rs 1.35 crore this year to the MC’s revenue through plot allotments. The trade fair will continue until May 15, featuring a variety of stalls offering clothes, utensils, shoes, handloom products, and more. Local delicacies and attractions like merry-go-rounds and swings add to the festival’s festive charm.

Kullu MC president Gopal Krishan Mahant shared details of the cultural evenings. Singer Ramesh Thakur will perform on the opening night at Kala Kendra, with Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur as the chief guest. Manali MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur will grace the second evening, highlighted by folk singer Gopal Chaudhary’s performance. The final night will feature ‘Nati King’ Thakur Dass Rathi, with Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh as the chief guest.

Several local artists selected through auditions, including CM Toshi, Kushal Verma, Sanjay Pujari, Som Dutt, Harish, Om Prakash, and Khushboo Bhardwaj, will also perform. The cultural evenings will feature rounds of the ‘Spring Queen’ beauty pageant, with winners announced on the final day.

Om Prakash, a town elder, reminisced about the grandeur of the past fairs, recalling the participation of revered deities like Veer Nath, Brahma Devta, and Tripura Sundari. He lamented the absence of Lord Raghunath, Kullu’s chief deity, from the fair in recent years.

Despite its deep cultural ties to the renowned Kullu Dasehra, the Pipal Jatra is yet to be recognised as a state-level festival. Locals urged the government and MC to work towards restoring the fair’s traditional glory.

Himachal Tribune