Spring festival blooms in Kullu: Beauty, music & culture unite
The vibrant spirit of the Spring Festival, locally known as Pipal Jatra, came alive at Kala Kendra on Monday evening with the much-anticipated ‘Spring Queen’ beauty pageant captivating audiences during the festival’s first cultural night.
A total of 21 contestants from various districts and states walked the ramp with grace and poise, donning elegant Bengali attire that blended tradition with style. Their confident demeanor and charm won over the crowd as they competed for the coveted title. The winner of the pageant will receive a cash prize of Rs 31,000, while the first and second runners-up will be awarded Rs 21,000 and Rs 18,000 respectively, along with ornate crowns.
This year’s pageant aligns with the national theme of Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, adding a socially driven message to the glamour of the event. Launched in 2017 by former Municipal Council (MC) president Bimla Mahant, the pageant continues to serve as a platform to celebrate and empower women—highlighting their intelligence, talent and confidence alongside their beauty.
The cultural evening opened with a spellbinding performance by the Surya Cultural Group, presenting the traditional Kullvi Nati dance, a vivid portrayal of Kullu’s cultural heritage. The musical segment saw a lively performance by singer Kushal Verma, followed by soulful Pahadi renditions from artistes Somdutt, Om Prakash, Harish and Sanjay Pujari.
Folk music legend Ramesh Thakur added further energy to the evening, enchanting the crowd with his original compositions. Audience members were seen dancing to beloved Pahadi tracks, including Chhota Bhoolu Tere Ghora Re Tale, Tue Sune Meri He Chandra, Sainj Mhara Hotella Rauhe Tuse Aande Jaande, Amma Julle and Lobh Laga Thara Ge Banki Padosne.
Kullu Sadar MLA Sunder Singh Thakur formally inaugurated the cultural evening. He was welcomed by MC President Gopal Krishan Mahant and fellow councillors. In his address, Thakur lauded the council’s efforts in organising the fair smoothly and maintaining order. Mahant highlighted the deployment of 35 additional sanitation workers to uphold cleanliness throughout the event and appealed to traders to responsibly segregate dry and wet waste.
Historically, Pipal Jatra was centered around a gathering under the sacred pipal tree at Dhalpur ground, where the reigning king and presiding deity would listen to public grievances. The event would culminate in a Jagra—a communal feast symbolising peace and prosperity. Once a grand celebration of classical and semi-classical arts, including Qawwali performances, the festival has witnessed a gradual decline in traditional elements.
Today, only Gouhri Devta participates in the festivities and many locals, especially elders, mourn the fading of the fair’s former glory. The once-vibrant cattle market, which drew hundreds of animals from far-off regions for trade, is now a shadow of its past.
Himachal Tribune