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About Kullu Dussehra

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About Kullu Dussehra

Kullu Dussehra is the famous Dussehra of the Kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh. It begins on Vijayadashami, the very day Dussehra ends in most of India, and goes on for seven days on the Dhalpur ground beside the Beas river.

The festival goes back to the 17th century, when Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu brought an idol of Lord Raghunath, a form of Lord Rama, and made him the ruling deity of the valley. Since then, the village gods of Kullu come to pay their respects to Raghunath ji every Dussehra.

On the first day, the chariot of Lord Raghunath is pulled across Dhalpur with ropes by thousands of devotees, while more than two hundred village deities arrive in bright palanquins carried on shoulders, with drums, long horns and flags. The deities stay in camps for the week.

The week is full of the Kullu nati dance, folk music, a big fair and evening shows. On the last day, called Lanka Dahan, a bonfire is lit near the Beas and the chariot returns. Unlike in the plains, effigies of Ravana are not burnt on the first day.

How people celebrate Kullu Dussehra

  • The rath yatra of Lord Raghunath on Dhalpur ground
  • Hundreds of village deities in decorated palanquins
  • Drums, long horns and flags
  • Kullu nati dance and folk music
  • A week-long fair with Kullu shawls and caps
  • Lanka Dahan by the Beas on the last day

How to wish well

  • Kullu Dussehra starts when Dussehra ends elsewhere, so you can send Dussehra wishes and follow up with Kullu wishes.
  • Wishes that speak of the devtas, the valley and the nati dance feel close to the heart for Kullu friends.
  • A blessing of Lord Raghunath is a respectful wish for elders and customers.

Questions about Kullu Dussehra

When is Kullu Dussehra?

It begins on Vijayadashami and lasts seven days, usually in October. The start date for each year is shown on this page.

Why does Kullu Dussehra start when Dussehra ends?

In Kullu the festival honours Lord Raghunath and the village gods who visit him. Their gathering begins on Vijayadashami and lasts a week.

Where is Kullu Dussehra held?

On the Dhalpur ground in Kullu town, Himachal Pradesh, beside the Beas river.

Who started Kullu Dussehra?

It goes back to Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu in the 17th century, who made Lord Raghunath the ruling deity of the valley.

How many deities come to Kullu Dussehra?

More than two hundred village deities come in decorated palanquins from across the valley.

Is Ravana burnt at Kullu Dussehra?

No effigies are burnt on the first day. On the last day, Lanka Dahan, a bonfire is lit near the Beas.

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