Kullu Dussehra at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Where | Dhalpur maidan, Kullu |
| When | Starts on Vijayadashami, usually in October, and lasts about seven days |
| Main deity | Lord Raghunath, Kullu's presiding deity |
| Visiting deities | Around 200 or more village gods and goddesses, by most accounts |
| Status | Celebrated as an international festival since the 1970s |
Dates
The festival begins on Vijayadashami, the day other parts of India end their Dussehra, and continues for about a week. The exact dates follow the Hindu calendar, so they change each year, usually falling in October. Published dates sometimes differ by a day; check the Kullu district administration's announcement before planning your trip.
What happens
- The rath yatra: on the opening day, Lord Raghunath's chariot is pulled by devotees from his temple to Dhalpur maidan, with the visiting deities in attendance.
- The gathering of the gods: village deities, carried in palanquins with drums, horns and dancers, camp at the maidan for the week.
- Cultural programmes: folk dances, music and evening shows, with a large fair of stalls and handicrafts.
- The closing day: the procession moves to the banks of the Beas for a symbolic Lanka Dahan, and the deities return to their villages.
How the festival began
The Raghunath temple's idol of Rama was brought to Kullu in the 17th century, in the reign of Raja Jagat Singh, and the king made Raghunath the valley's ruling deity. Dussehra grew into the occasion when every village deity came to honour him, and the tradition has continued for centuries, with the former royal family still taking part.
Visiting tips
Our Kullu Dussehra package includes hotels and a car for the festival week.
- Book stays early: Kullu, Bhuntar and even Manali fill up for the festival week.
- Arrive for the opening rath yatra, the most dramatic day, but expect huge crowds.
- Traffic is restricted around Dhalpur; your driver will drop you nearby.
- Respect the deities' processions: don't block or touch palanquins, and ask before photographing.
- Combine with the apple harvest and a day in Naggar or Kasol.
Getting there during the festival
Kullu is about 10 km from Bhuntar airport and roughly 500 km from Delhi by road, and traffic builds heavily on the highway and in Kullu town during the festival week. Arrive a day early if you can. Many visitors stay in Manali or Bhuntar and drive in for the main days. Our drivers know the drop-off points around Dhalpur and the quieter roads in and out of town.
Frequently asked questions
When is Kullu Dussehra?+
It starts on Vijayadashami, usually in October, and lasts about a week. Check the district announcement for the year's dates.
Where is Kullu Dussehra celebrated?+
At Dhalpur maidan in Kullu town, Himachal Pradesh.
Why is Kullu Dussehra different?+
It begins when Dussehra ends elsewhere, and centres on village deities gathering to honour Lord Raghunath, not on burning Ravana effigies.
How many days does Kullu Dussehra last?+
About seven days.
How is Kullu Dussehra celebrated?+
With Lord Raghunath's rath yatra, processions of village deities, folk music and dance, a fair, and a Lanka Dahan on the last day.
Is it easy to find hotels during Kullu Dussehra?+
Not without booking ahead. Stay in Kullu, Bhuntar or Manali, and reserve early.
