KULLU DUSSEHRA

March 31, 2019

With the end of Vijaydashmi celebrations in rest of the country, the week-long International Kullu Dussehra began in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.

About:

  • Kullu, the “Valley of Gods”, also known as “Kulanthapitha” is located in Himachal Pradesh.

  • The valley is also renowned for its grand Dussehra celebrations. Kullu Dussehra was declared an international event in 1972 and is witnessed by around 4-5 Lac people from across the globe.

  • Its origins can be traced back to the regime of Raja Jagat Singh in 17th

Key events:

  • On the first day of the festival, the idol of Raghunathji is placed on a chariot and taken through the Dhalpur Maidan.

  • The subsequent days see cultural events, including song and dance performances by local and international artists

  • The 7-day festival ends with the “symbolic Lanka Dahan” by burning a heap of grass on fire beside the Beas River and the return of Raghunathji to its abode at Sultanpur temple.

Comparison with other Dussehra celebrations:

  • Similarity: Like other Dussehra celebrations, this is also a festival of a triumph of good over evil.

  • Difference:

DUSSEHRA IN REST OF INDIA

KULLU DUSSEHRA

Celebrations mainly involves Burning of Ravana.

It honours Rama himself in the form of Raghunathji, the presiding deity of the Raghunathji Temple in Kullu.

It is a one-day festival at the end of Navratri every year i.e. on the tenth day in the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin.

The week-long celebrations begin when the rest of the country end the vijaydashmi celebrations.