Despite the Himachal Pradesh High Court taking strict action against illegal rave parties in the forests of Parbati Valley, a new three-day event called "Psychedelic Forest Gathering" has been advertised at Fairy Forest in Pulga from September 4 to 6.
The event is being promoted on social media platforms including Facebook and X. However, Kullu Police has said it has no information about such a gathering, according to The Tribune.
What the online invitation says
The online invitation for the event reads: "This September, Karahana Project transforms the enchanting Fairy Forest of Pulga in Kasol, Himachal Pradesh into a three-day celebration of music, nature and connection. Dance between towering deodar trees, immerse yourself in hypnotic psychedelic beats and experience one of India's most magical forest gatherings."
The post also carries details about the event, which is being promoted as a "Psychedelic Forest Gathering" in the Fairy Forest area of Pulga in Parbati Valley, as reported by The Tribune on X.
Police unaware of the gathering
Kullu Police has stated that it has no information about such a gathering taking place in the Parbati Valley forests. This comes at a time when the Himachal Pradesh High Court has already taken strict cognisance of illegal rave parties being held in the region's forests.
The advertisement for the event has raised concerns among local residents and authorities, given the court's recent actions against such gatherings in the ecologically sensitive Parbati Valley area.
Our Take: A direct challenge to court orders
This is a clear case of organisers openly defying the Himachal Pradesh High Court's orders. Advertising a "psychedelic" gathering in the same forests where the court has cracked down on illegal rave parties shows a blatant disregard for the law.
What is particularly concerning is that the event is being promoted on public social media platforms without any attempt at secrecy. This suggests that organisers either believe they can operate with impunity or are testing how far they can push the boundaries.
Kullu Police must act swiftly to investigate this advertisement and prevent any such gathering from taking place. If the court's orders are to have any meaning, authorities need to show that violations will not be tolerated. The Parbati Valley's fragile ecosystem and the safety of visitors cannot be compromised for commercial interests.
