Kullu Dussehra
Kullu Dussehra is the renowned International Mega Dussehra event in Himachal. Kullu Dussehra festival and the serene weather are complementary to the valley. Kullu Dussehra is the festival of Himachal observed in the month of October/November. It is Celebrated in Dhalpur Ground in the Kullu valley. Three days folk dance festival will also be a part of the Dussehra fair. This serene town is famous for attracting visitors from all across the globe. The pleasant weather and beauty of the valley along with the celebrations fill the visitors with eternal happiness.
On Dussehra Goddess Hadimba of Manali comes down to Kullu. A Goddess of royal family of Kullu. After blessing the royal family, she comes to Dhalpur maidan for Celebration. Dussehra at Kullu commences on tenth day of the rising moon, that is on ‘Vijay Dashmi’ day and continues for seven days. Dussehra is celebrated in most parts of the country on Vijay Dashmi to commemorate the victory of Rama over king Ravana. Kullu Dussehra is slightly different because its celebrations begin when the rest of the country closes the nine day long festival — The Navratri. The highlight of Kullu Dussehra fair is the victory of good over evil.
The first day is started with a huge week long celebration, the statue of Lord Raghunathji is installed on a beautifully designed chariots, pulled by ropes by the locals from its place to different sites across the Maidan. A spectacular start with the traditional Rath Yatra. The region is known for its hilly gorges, several feet high waterfalls, snowclad mountains, streams and ancient temples. Its history dates back to the 16th century when local King Jagat Singh installed an idol of Raghunath on his throne as a mark of penance. After this, god Raghunath was declared as the ruling deity of Valley. The chariot of the idol of Lord Raghunath is led by the king of Kullu and other villages, followed by other deities, and is known as the running of the Gods.
Kullu Dussehra is popular countrywide with hundreds of gods and goddesses mounted on colourful palanquins participating in this procession of gold-silver idols symbolising the Hindu deities, which are brought in from villages to be paraded through town streets. It gives impression as if the gates of paradise have been opened and the gods have come down to the earth to rejoice. Over 250 local deities of the valley assemble at Dhalpur maidan.
Other major activities include cultural programs, sports competition, exhibitions and much more. A bunch of religious ceremonies, cultural activities as well as socializing and shopping at the huge market are organized at ground. Kullu mirrors of culture and clearly shows lifestyle, folk dance and music of this region. Setup various exhibitions concerning their line of work, thousands of people witness the International Cultural Festival at night. Other chief attraction is the International Folk Festival where all the villagers dance together breaking Guiness Book records. .
Kullu Dussehra ends without animal sacrifice, at the end of week-long festival, involving congregation of 250s of deities at Dhalpur ground. Kullu is known as Valley of Apples, but a more appropriate name might be ‘Valley of Shawls’.