Hoteliers prepare for arrival of tourists during Kullu dasehra
As the festive season is approaching, hoteliers in Kullu and Manali are preparing for the influx of tourists. The international Kullu Dasehra festival attracts thousands of visitors to the picturesque valley.
The Kullu Dasehra, to be celebrated from October 13 to 19 this year, will feature week-long cultural and religious events, including traditional processions, folk dances and a grand display of local customs. This festival draw a large number of tourists.
According to Anup Thakur, president of the Kullu-Manali Paryatan Vikas Mandal, local hoteliers have begun preparations to accommodate the anticipated surge in the number of visitors. Many establishments are offering special dasehra packages, including discount on room charges, complimentary meals and guided tours to local attractions.
Thakur said that the tourist influx into Kullu and Manali was increasing and room occupancy had gone up byu around 40 per cent. It was expected to pick up further in the next few days. Hoteliers were expecting good business during dasehra.
The festival provides a range of activities for visitors, including a procession of deities that attracts tourists from across the country and abroad. Besides, the hoteliers are collaborating with local tour operators to provide a unique experience such as trekking, paragliding and visits to nearby attractions like the Solang valley and the Rohtang Pass. “We want to showcase the natural beauty of the region alongside the cultural richness of dasehra,” Thakur added.
Local artisans and vendors are also expected to benefit from the festival as stalls selling traditional handicrafts, food and souvenirs will be set up around the dasehra area. Hoteliers are optimistic about the potential economic boost the industry will get from the festival. The influx of tourists is crucial for the recovery of the tourism sector, which has faced challenges in recent years. “We are hoping for a successful dasehra that brings joy and prosperity to our community,” said Hemraj Sharma, a hotel owner.
