Shimla, Oct. 17 -- The Himachal Pradesh high court has dismissed a petition seeking an official invitation and associated facilities for Devta Bansheera Maharaj Sidhwan at the International Kullu Dussehra festival, upholding the decision of Kullu deputy commissioner (DC).

Justice Sandeep Sharma observed that the deity did not meet the historical and traditional criteria required for official inclusion in the festival.

Dismissing the petition on October 15, justice Sandeep Sharma found no illegality in the January 10, 2025, order of the DC, which had rejected the deity's representation seeking an invitation and facilities similar to those provided to other invited deities.

The court observed that "no documented criteria exist" for invit...