Kullu Dussehra

International Kullu Dussehra Dussehra is one of the important festivals of India. It is celebrated differently at different places. The Kullu Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh is a weeklong festival celebrated in October month and is a special occasion and an opportune time to witness different shades of the valley’s vibrant culture. Rich in history and cultural heritage, Kullu, with an average altitude of 1200 meters, nestles in a valley that is sheltered by the Pir Panjal and the Greater Himalayan ranges. Known as valley of Gods, Kullu is also famous for its cottage wool weaving industry, the Kullu Shawl and Kullu Caps are worn the world over and have come to associate a brand identity with the valley. The Kullu Dussehra is however, markedly different from rest of the country as the weeklong festival begins on the day it ends elsewhere. Started in the 17th century, the tradition was established when Raja Jagat Singh installed an idol of Lord Raghunath that had been brought from Ayodhya at the palace temple in Kullu. Celebrated with great fanfare, more than 300 deities (‘Devtas’-Gods & Goddesses) of Kullu district, participate and pay their obeisance to Lord Shri Raghunath ji, the Principal deity of Kullu valley. The festival gets underway with the arrival of Goddess Hadimba from Manali, but the main function is that of the Lord Raghunath, colourfully dressed, riding into the ground in a hand pulled wooden chariot. During the festival cultural troupes from various States and folk dancers from abroad give their performances. A large number of National & International tourists also visit Kullu during this festival. The Kullu Dussehra has been accorded an international festival status. During the festival, Rath Yatra, exhibitions put up by various Govt. Departments and NGO's, and local marts displaying handicrafts and other local products etc. are the major attraction of the festival. Kullu can be reached by road and air. The Kullu airport is at Bhuntar. Chandigarh-Manali highway passes through Kullu. It is 270 km for Chandigarh and 220 km from Shimla. Places to stay: ‘Hotel Sarvari’ and ‘The Silvermoon’ are run by Himachal Tourism and offer a comfortable stay in Kullu. The valley also has a lot of private hotels and guest houses with decent accommodation. Home Stay accommodation is also available in the rural areas of Kullu.