The historic Kullu Dussehra saw a massive participation of women this year who arrived here from distant villages in the mountains walking through forested tracks and rivulets to participate in the traditional dance form ‘maha-nati.’

Over 8000 women wearing red ‘dathu’—head cover and matching ‘Pattoo” –a thicker woollen fabric worn over long kurtas, performed the ‘maha-nati’at Dhalpur mela ground adding a magic moment with their dance steps to the ancient festival that dates back to 16th century.

The maha-nati has become a big festive event with women dressed in traditional attire dancing together in three big circles at the beat of Kulluvi songs.

The Deputy Commissioner Kullu, Ashutosh Garg, said this was one of the highest participation of local women and girls after the Covid-19 pandemic and the excitement was visible on the surface.

The DC said “This year, the district administration linked the event to women empowerment and voters’ awareness drive in view of upcoming elections for which the Election Commission of India (ECI) has called for highest voters’ participation in the elections.

“Mahila mandals joined the effort in inviting women from distant villages.

Earlier in 2015, the mega-nati drew up a record participation of 9,892 women and the event was recorded in the Guinness World Records. That was the first time such an event was hosted at the Kullu Dussehra, which itself happens to be a symbol of “deity culture” webbed in the lives of the people and an acclaimed tradition.

Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary of the department of Language, Art and Culture — who was the earlier Deputy Commissioner Kullu, said, the Guinness World Record has recorded it in the category of  largest Nati Dance of the hills. Besides being a cultural event of mega scale linked to local traditions, the nati was also aimed to spread the message of ‘save the girl child’ and phrased it as ‘Pride of Kullu’”.

Kanwar was the brain behind the event and since then mega nati has become the biggest attraction and part of Kullu Dussehra celebrations.

The event got wide publicity as then Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh went to Kullu to congratulate the district administration and women participants

Devkanya Thakur, a woman writer and young film-maker from Kullu said , “ The 2015 mega nati was a big turning point in Kullu that helped in revival of a tradition to wear pattoo and dhathu among women, as earlier it was diminishing  gradually .

Yet, the biggest highlight and Kullu’s pride became presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the festival as it was first time any leader of such a high stature joined the historic Dussehra, and paid his obeisance to Lord Raghunath, breaking all the protocols

Rita Thakur, an elderly lady from Banjar, who has been participating in the mega nati every year said “ I am really proud of my culture and thank the local administration for hosting the event”

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has complimented the women, who participated in the maha-nati and added grace to the local culture.

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