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No Ravana or Ramleela: A Travel Guide to Kullu Dussehra
Know everything about Kullu Dussehra and also find out how you too can become part of the world-renowned international festival in this complete travel guide…
A Travel Guide to Kullu Dussehra
Visiting Kullu Dussehra is not only a memorable experience to be cherished forever but to some people it can even be a life-altering moment as you find yourself in the company of hundreds of deities from Kullu, also known as the ‘land of the gods’ and right in the midst of a vibrant culture. In this travel guide, you will find answers to all your queries about Kullu Dussehra and more. Here is wishing you a memorable happy Dussehra!
When and where is Kullu Dussehra held?
Kullu Dussehra is held annually in the month of October, when winter chill starts to set in in the mountains, in the Kullu town of Himachal Pradesh. It’s held exactly on the three huge grounds of Kullu town, known as Dhalpur grounds.
What makes Kullu Dussehra unique and world renowned?
Kullu Dussehra is unique due to many reasons. First is the duration and timing. Kullu Dussehra is celebrated for a period of seven days unlike elsewhere in India where Dussehra festivities are held for just one day. Kullu Dussehra begins on Vijay Dashami, the 10th day of Navratri, when elsewhere in the country the festivities conclude. Also, unlike other places in the country, neither there is any symbolism of victory of good over evil attached with Kullu Dussehra nor Ramleelas are organized or effigies of Ravana burnt here.
But more than anything, what gives Kullu Dussehra the international festival status is the fact that it’s a peek into the ancient Pahari culture of Kullu and the old way of life. Kullu Dussehra is a grand show of faith as over 300 deities assemble on the Dussehra grounds.
All the deities, placed in palanquins and carried on the shoulders by followers, reach Dussehra grounds on foot from villages of Kullu district. Some of the deities, from far off places like Anni, are carried by devotees for as many as 100 kms for days to reach the Dussehra grounds in Dhalpur.
Why is Kullu Dussehra held?
Kullu Dussehra festival is more than 350 years old, making it one of the oldest fairs of the state. The first Dussehra festival was held during the reign of Raja Jagat Singh, who ruled between 1637 and 1672.
According to a legend, a Brahmin had cursed Raja Jagat Singh, who became severely ill shortly afterwards. When no medicines could treat the Raja, he was advised that only the blessings of lord Rama could cure him. So, the Raja managed to bring the idols of lord Rama from Ayodhya and installed them in the Raghunath temple he got built in Sultanpur, the seat of the royal family in Kullu.
The legend has it that in a short time after installing the idols, the Raja recovered from his illness and sent a message to all the deities of Kullu to gather in Sultanpur to pay obeisance to lord Raghunath. This assembly of all deities was the beginning of Kullu Dussehra as we know it today.
What happens on the first day of Kullu Dussehra?
On the first day of Kullu Dussehra, all the deities in their palanquins start gathering in front of the Raghunath temple in Sultanpur in Kullu town. One by one, all the main deities reach the temple and pay obeisance to lord Raghunath. Amid the loud beatings of drums and trumpets, the deities also meet each other, called ‘milni’ in local dialect, in the courtyard of the temple.
It’s a sight to behold especially when the Hadimba demon goddess arrives at the temple. Thereafter, all the deities reach at the palace of the erstwhile royalty of Kullu and after meeting the former Raja, head for Dhalpur grounds in a procession. The idols of lord Raghunath are also carried in this procession and are placed in a chariot in Dhalpur. Also forming part of the procession are the family members of erstwhile royal family of Kullu.
Once all the deities have gathered, the wooden chariot starts to roll down, pulled by devotees using ropes. With loud chanting and sounds of divine drums vibrating in the air, the chariot moves down from the first ground to the second ground as a huge crowd follows along. Thus starts the Kullu Dussehra.
What happens on the 7th day of Kullu Dussehra?
On the seventh and last day of the Kullu Dussehra, ‘Lanka Dahan’ or ‘burning of Lanka’ rituals are performed. A procession of deities led by lord Raghunath’s chariot moves from Dhalpur grounds and reaches the bank of Beas river, called ‘Lanka Beker,’ where rituals are performed.
Before 2014, animal sacrifices especially buffalo sacrifice used to be part of the last day Kullu Dussehra rituals. However, animals are no longer beheaded as the Himachal Pradesh high court had put a ban on animal sacrifice in 2014.
On which days should I visit Kullu Dussehra?
If you want to witness how the deities come alive and see how locals believe in a greater power at work, then you must visit the Kullu Dussehra on the first day or on the last day. You can also visit on the penultimate day of the Dussehra, called ‘Muhalla.’ On this day all the deities pay attendance to lord Raghunath on the Dussehra ground and also meet each other. The rest of the four days of the fair are more about cultural programs and shopping etc.
What else is there to see and experience in Kullu Dussehra?
Kullu Dussehra is also known for its cultural programmes as top artistes including singers and dancers from the country as well as abroad perform at the auditorium here in the evenings. There are also performances of Nati, the traditional Himachali dance, at the auditorium. You can also enjoy folk dance festivals during Dussehra at the auditorium.
What all I can shop at the Kullu Dussehra?
Hundreds of traders and artisans from all over the country set their shops at the Kullu Dussehra. You can buy a variety of stuff at the Kullu Dussehra including handmade Kullu shawls, caps, pattus, socks, local wooden items, herbs, jewellery, utensils and a host of other art and craft treasures. You can also enjoy local cuisines at the food courts set up here.
Where should I stay if I am visiting Kullu Dussehra?
Kullu becomes quite a crowded place during Dussehra as thousands of people visit this small town. The town roads are also jam-packed and parking becomes a huge issue. So, it’s advisable that you don’t stay in the town itself but a little away from Kullu. T
here are some good staying options around Kullu-Manali. Check the best staying options around Kullu Manali here. You can also stay in Manali itself as it’s not that crowded in October. Check the best places to stay in Manali here.
How to reach Kullu?
Kullu is accessible via air and road. There are direct flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to the nearest Bhuntar airport. You can also take the national highway 21 from Chandigarh as most people do and reach Kullu in about 5 hours. The travel time between Manali and Chandigarh has decreased by at least two hours after the newly built four-lane Manali-Chandigarh highway was opened for traffic last year.
What else can I do in Kullu-Manali in October?
October is a good time to visit Kullu-Manali as the weather is not cold and actually pleasant, at least in the daytime. You can visit other places of interest including Manali, Atal Tunnel, Sissu, Naggar, Vashisht, Bijli Mahadev. If you love adventure sports, you can enjoy river rafting and paragliding and even go trekking if you have time.
A travel guide to Kullu Dussehra video
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