Over 300 local deities participate in the Kullu Dussehra. It’s the biggest assembly of deities anywhere on Earth.
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Unlike the festival in other parts of the country, Kullu Dussehra is celebrated for 7 days. It starts on Vijayadashami, which marks the victory of lord Rama over demon king Ravana.
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However, in Kullu Dussehra, no effigy of Ravana is burnt. Instead, the local deities meet each other on the Dussehra ground in Kullu.
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Kullu Dussehra festival starts with a grand procession of the idols of lord Raghunath from Sultanpur to Dhalpur.
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It’s mandatory for the erstwhile Kullu royal family to be present in the procession on the first day and during the rites that are performed during the concluding days.
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Dussehra is also a place to get a peek into the vibrant Pahari culture of Kullu including its music, traditional wear and language etc.
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Kullu Dussehra is one of the oldest fairs of the country. The festival was started during the reign of king Jagat Singh, who ruled from 1637 to 1672.
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The practice of sacrificing a buffalo, a sheep, a fish, a crab and a chicken on the concluding day of the Kullu Dussehra to appease the gods was banned in 2014 following high court orders.
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. Kullu Dussehra has gained the status of an international festival due to its popularity. Scores of foreign artists take part in the festival every year. This tear 10 foreign troupes will perform during the festival.
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Kullu Dussehra is also a place to buy hand-made local products as well as from other parts of the country at the exhibition stalls.
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