Shimla, Sept. 28 -- The International Kullu Dussehra Festival, to be held in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu from October 2 to 8, will be a subdued affair this year dedicated to the state's disaster-affected people, with police beefing up security for the week-long event that draws lakhs of visitors.

The festival, beginning on Vijayadashami, attracts about 4-5 lakh people to the Dhalpur ground and has been accorded international status and holds significant cultural and economic value. Over 200 deities participate in the centuries-old celebration that traces its origin to the 17th century, when local king Jagat Singh installed the idol of Raghunath on his throne as an act of penance, declaring him the valley's ruling deity.

International Dusse...