Kullu: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday announced an increase in honorarium for deities and Bajantris during the closing ceremony of International Kullu Dussehra 2026. He also announced funds for road construction, sewerage infrastructure, healthcare and education projects in Kullu district.
The Chief Minister announced a 5 per cent increase in honorarium for deities and a 10 per cent hike for Bajantris. He also announced an honorarium of Rs 1,100 for the chief Gur of each deity.
Rs 32 Crore Announced for Development Projects
Sukhu announced Rs 5 crore for connecting the Left Bank area of Kullu district and an additional Rs 5 crore for the construction of Manikaran Road. He also announced Rs 22 crore for a sewerage system in Bhuntar and the opening of an electricity sub-division in the town. An additional Rs 50 lakh was announced for the Vidyut Command–Bara road.
The Chief Minister also announced an honorarium of Rs 35,000 for each Mahila Mandal participating in the Dussehra festival. He approved Rs 1 crore for the construction of a science block at Bajoura School.
Kullu District Hospital to Get Better Facilities
The Chief Minister said the state government would strengthen Kullu District Hospital to improve healthcare services for residents. He assured that specialist doctors, nurses and paramedical staff would be appointed. The hospital would also be equipped with advanced medical technology, with the government providing adequate funds for the purpose.
Sukhu said the government was committed to strengthening the rural economy. As part of these efforts, the minimum support price for ginger would soon be increased to Rs 40 per kilogram to improve the income of rural residents. He also criticised the previous BJP government, alleging that it had weakened the education and healthcare sectors. He said the present government was working to strengthen infrastructure in both sectors.
Government Focused on Making Himachal Self-Reliant
Describing Himachal Pradesh as the land of deities, Sukhu said Kullu Dussehra was now being organised at an international level. He said the government would continue working to improve the festival every year. He added that the state government’s commitment to administrative reforms under the slogan of ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’ was also reflected in the organisation of Kullu Dussehra.
Sukhu accused the BJP of spreading misleading information about Himachal Pradesh’s economy. He said the government was working to make the state self-reliant by strengthening the rural economy and implementing several schemes in the coming days. He said cooperation and support from all sections of society were essential to achieving this goal.
Sukhu Recalls 2023 Disaster
Recalling the 2023 disaster, the Chief Minister said Kullu district had suffered the worst damage. He said he and his Cabinet colleagues had worked on the ground day and night to provide relief to affected people. He praised the people of Kullu for organising community kitchens at various locations and said their spirit of service would be remembered by people across India and abroad.
Sukhu said the government had amended rules and regulations to protect disaster-affected families. Financial assistance for house construction had been increased from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh to support their rehabilitation.
Kullu Carnival Flagged Off
The Chief Minister also flagged off the Kullu Carnival, which featured the participation of more than 600 women and artists.
MLA Sunder Singh Thakur thanked Sukhu for the announcements and acknowledged the contributions of government officers, employees, public representatives and people from different sections of society towards the successful organisation of the festival. He said the event had been successful because of collective efforts. The Chief Minister had instructed officials to ensure that all necessary arrangements were in place, and everyone had extended full cooperation.
Thakur said the participation of international cultural groups had enhanced the festival’s stature and helped it gain wider recognition worldwide. He added that the state government was making efforts to send Himachal Pradesh’s cultural groups abroad to showcase the state’s cultural heritage. He said religious traditions held the highest place in the state and that Kullu Dussehra was celebrated with the blessings of the deities. A record number of deities and people had participated in this year’s festival.
MLA Bhuwneshwar Gaur welcomed the Chief Minister to Kullu district. He said Sukhu was adopting an innovative approach and taking all sections of society along with him. He added that the state government was working for the welfare of all sections, with particular attention to women and orphaned children.
Cultural Competition Results Announced
In the cultural programme, Bhutti Vivraj Cultural Group secured first prize, Sutradhar Kala Sangam won second place, and Yuva Kala Manch finished third.
MLA Suresh Kumar, State Commission for Women Chairperson Vidya Negi, Milk Federation Chairman Buddhi Singh, APMC Chairman Ram Singh Mian, former MLA Kishori Lal, District President Ses Ram Azad, Health Secretary Ashish Singhmar, Divisional Commissioner R.K. Purthi, Deputy Commissioner Amit Sharma, Superintendent of Police Abhishek S. and other dignitaries were present at the closing ceremony.
