Kangra Valley Carnival Kicks Off in Dharamshala with Grand Procession

Dharamshala, December 24, 2025: The Kangra Valley Carnival 2025 commenced on Tuesday with a vibrant procession in Dharamshala, marking the beginning of a week-long cultural celebration. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri graced the occasion as the chief guest.

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa informed that the carnival will be held from December 24 to 31 at the Police Ground, Dharamshala. The festival aims to showcase and promote the rich cultural heritage, folk traditions and tourism potential of Kangra district at the national level.

The inaugural day began with a traditional puja at 3 pm at the Hanuman Temple, Kacheri Adda, followed by a colourful procession to the Police Ground. Cultural troupes from Himachal Pradesh and other states, along with a large number of local residents, participated enthusiastically in the procession.

A series of cultural and entertainment events have been lined up during the carnival, including musical evenings, comedy shows, folk dances and band performances. On the opening day, performances were presented by the NZCC dance troupe, Rudra Band, Firdaus Band, along with a special comedy act by noted comedian Bhavna Pathania.

The Deputy Commissioner also announced that the Dharamshala Marathon will be held on December 25, with participation from runners across India and abroad. The marathon will start 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 at 10:30 am.

Further, the Kangra Valley Carnival Literature Festival will be organised on December 26 at the Government College auditorium, Dharamshala. The event will feature literary discussions, theatre, 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 between 18 and 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, while the NZCC dance troupe and other cultural groups will also perform.

As part of the state government’s anti-drug campaign, awareness programmes by cultural groups will be held at prominent locations such as Fountain Chowk, Gandhi Chowk, Kacheri Adda and Sheela Chowk during the carnival to sensitise the public, especially 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.