The week-long Kangra Valley Carnival 2025 got underway in Dharamshala today with a vibrant and colourful procession, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Kangra district. Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri attended the inaugural समारोह as the chief guest.
Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa informed that the carnival is being organised from December 24 to 31 at the Police Ground, Dharamshala, with the objective of promoting Kangra’s folk traditions, cultural diversity and tourism potential at the national level.
The inaugural events began with a traditional puja at 3 pm at the Hanuman Temple, Kacheri Adda, followed by a grand procession that culminated at the Police Ground. Cultural troupes from various parts of Himachal Pradesh and other states, along with a large number of local residents, participated enthusiastically, adding colour and vibrancy to the celebrations.
A wide range of cultural and entertainment programmes have been scheduled during the carnival, including musical evenings, folk dances, band performances and comedy shows. On the opening day, performances were presented by the NZCC dance troupe, Rudra Band, Firdaus Band, along with a comedy act by noted comedian Bhavna Pathania.
The Deputy Commissioner also announced that the Dharamshala Marathon will be held on December 25, with runners participating from across the country and abroad. The marathon will commence at 6:30 am from Sai Stadium and conclude at the same venue after passing through Circuit House, Cheelgadi, Kotwali Bazaar, Khaniyara, Rakkar and Dadi. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri will be the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony scheduled for 10:30 am.
The Kangra Valley Carnival Literature Festival will be organised on December 26 at the Government College Auditorium, Dharamshala, featuring literary discussions, theatre performances, folk music and poetry recitations. The Miss and Mrs. Kangra Valley Carnival 2025 competition will be held on December 27 at the Zila Parishad Hall, Kacheri Dharamshala, from 9:30 am, with participants aged 18 to 45 years eligible to compete.
On December 28, the district administration will organise a Dharamshala Cycle Ride to promote health awareness among youth and spread the message of a drug-free Himachal Pradesh.
A special cultural evening is scheduled for December 25 from 5 pm onwards, featuring Bollywood artists Ankit Tiwari, Neha Dixit, UV and Rakhi Gautam. Technical Education, Vocational and Industrial Training Minister Rajesh Dharmani will be the chief guest on the occasion.
As part of the state government’s anti-drug campaign, awareness programmes by cultural groups will be organised at prominent locations including Fountain Chowk, Gandhi Chowk, Kacheri Adda and Sheela Chowk, aiming to sensitise the public, especially the youth, against drug abuse.
Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said that the Kangra Valley Carnival 2025 is not only a celebration of culture and entertainment but also a strong platform for social awareness and community participation.
Loading ...
