International Kullu Dussehra 2026: Artist auditions to be held from Oct 5 to 10
Shashi Bhushan Purohit
Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), September 23, 2026: Artists aspiring to perform during the cultural evenings of the International Kullu Dussehra Festival 2026 will get an opportunity to showcase their talent as auditions will be held from October 5 to 10 at Dev Sadan, Kullu.
All auditions will begin at 10 am each day.
Acting Deputy Commissioner and Vice President of the International Kullu Dussehra Festival Committee, Surjeet Singh Rathore, said auditions for artists from Kullu district will be conducted on October 5, 6 and 7.
Artists from other districts of Himachal Pradesh will be auditioned on October 8 and 9.
Artists who are unable to appear on their scheduled date will be given another opportunity to audition on October 10. This will provide artists with six days to participate in the selection process.
The International Kullu Dussehra Festival 2026 will be held from October 21 to 27. The cultural evenings are expected to feature local artists along with singers, live playback performers, bands, comedians, acrobatic performers and dance troupes.
The district administration and Dussehra Festival Committee are currently working on preparations for the festival. Arrangements are also being made for live orchestras for Hindi, Punjabi and Himachali artists performing during the cultural programmes.
The festival will also feature the Dussehra Bazaar, exhibitions, a food court and other activities at Dhalpur Ground. Plot allotment for the Dussehra Bazaar will be carried out from October 5 to 21, while work related to the main gate, selfie point, carnival street, decorations and information boards is targeted for completion before October 18.
The traditional Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunathji will remain a major attraction of the festival, with deities from different parts of the Kullu Valley participating in the centuries-old tradition.
The administration is also focusing on digital outreach this year, with arrangements planned for LED video walls, live telecasts and social media streaming to promote the festival nationally and internationally.
Important Dates for Artists
- October 5: Kullu district artists
- October 6: Kullu district artists
- October 7: Kullu district artists
- October 8: Artists from other districts of Himachal Pradesh
- October 9: Artists from other districts of Himachal Pradesh
- October 10: Artists unable to appear on their scheduled audition date
- October 21–27: International Kullu Dussehra Festival 2026