Kullu Dussehra

Kullu Dussehra is the renowned International Mega Dussehra festival observed in the month of October in Himachal Pradesh state in northern India. Wherein more than 4-5 lakh(400,000-500,000) people visit the fair from all across the Globe. It is celebrated in the Dhalpur maidan in the Kullu valley. Dussehra at Kullu commences on the tenth day of the rising moon. on 'Vijay Dashmi' day itself and continues for seven days. Its history dates back to the 17th 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 the Valley. The State government has accorded the status of International festival to the Kullu Dussehra, which attracts tourists in large numbers.

Rituals of Kullu Dussehra Celebration
Let us read about the rituals of Kullu Dussehra:

1st day of Dussehra
The celebration of Dussehra starts on the day of Vijayadashmi and it falls in the month of October (Ashwin month according to the Hindu calendar). The celebration starts with the Chariot Journey or Rathyatra of Lord Raghunathiji. On a beautifully decorated chariot, the idol of the deity is saddled. The celebration starts from Dhalpur Maidan. The Chariot is pulled with the ropes. More than 100 Gods and Goddesses also participated in this journey along with Lord Raghunathji.

2nd-5th Day of Dussehra
Every morning and evening parades of the Gods and Goddesses are organized. Fairs are arranged. Many stalls are set up in the area where selling of household items, garments, local handicrafts and others are done. Local artists perform dances, songs and plays during the celebration days.

6th Day of Dussehra
On this day, gathering of the Gods and Goddesses happen. In the gathering all the local Gods and Goddesses participate along with their followers. A band of musicians also follow them. Gods and Goddesses in their colorful dresses sit around Lord Raghunathji’s camp.

Concluding Day of Dussehra (7th Day)
The chariot of Lord Raghunathji is taken near River Beas. On the banks of the river, heap of thorn bushes are put on fire to mark the killing of demon king Ravana by Lord Rama and burning of Lanka. Animals are sacrificed in order to show respect to Lord Raghunathji. After that the chariot is taken back to Sultanpur where the idol is installed back to the temple of Lord Raghunathiji.