Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh announced five percent increase in honorarium (nazrana) of deities of International Kullu Dussehra and directed to release a sum of Rs. 10 lakh from the account of Kullu Dussehra for 'Shrikhand Mahadev' yatra.The Chief Minister was presiding over the state level meeting of weeklong International Kullu Dussehra commencing from 30 September, 2017 here today. He said that the Kullu Dussehra was an important event for the people of the State and it should be ensured that its cultural legacy should be maintained. He also directed to continue with the inter-village cultural competitions during the day time at Kala Kendra so that the people coming from far off areas of the district could get an opportunity to entertain themselves.The Chief Minister also directed for organizing rural sports activities in a befitting manner.He said that the international troupes and artists coming from outside the State should be taken proper care of and law and order should be maintained at all costs.
Deputy Commissioner Kullu Yunus Khan said that around 305 local deities had been extended invitation to participate in the weeklong festivities and also gave detailed account of expenditure and savings. He said that on the request of Dussehra Committee, the ICCR New Delhi had agreed for three International troupes besides one troupe from Russia had agreed to participate in the festival. He said that Committee had requested for troupes from Sri Lanka, Middle East and from Latin America.He assured for proper screening of local artists and also emphasized upon the traditional costumes during performance.Chief Secretary V.C. Pharka assured adequate financial assistance from tourism department also. MLA Khub Ram, Secretary, HPCC, Sunder Singh Thakur, former Minister Satya Prakash Thakur, District Congress President, Kullu Budhi Singh Thakur, President, Manali Block Congress Bhuvneshwar Gaud, Chief Secretary V.C. Pharka, ACS Dr. Shrikant Baldi, Principal Secretary, Language, Art and Culture, Anuradha Thakur, Director, Language, Art and Culture R.K. Gautam were also present on the occasion amongst others.