Kullu Dussehra | Best Dussehra celebration in the country
Kullu Dussehra celebrated in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh is famous all over the world. Kullu is known as the Valley of the Gods.
Dussehra celebrations in Kullu are some of the best in the country. If you are planning to visit this hill town in Himachal Pradesh make sure that you are doing it during the annual Dussehra festival.
Kullu Dussehra celebrates the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana. The major highlight of the celebration is the Chariot procession (Rath Yatra). The chariot carrying the idol of Lord Ragunath (Ram) is led by the Maharaja of Kullu and several village deities. This procession starts the week-long celebration which includes various religious ceremonies, cultural programs and shopping and socializing.
Tens of thousands of people participate in the Chariot procession of Lord Rama held on Vijayadashami or Dussehra. Dussehra is the most important festival of Himachal Pradesh.
KulluWhile in all other parts of the country, Navratri celebrations start on first day of the rising moon and culminate on the 10th day (Vijayadashami), in Kullu it is a little different. Here the celebrations start on the 10th day and continue for one week. Dussehra celebrations in Kullu were a royal tradition started by the erstwhile Maharajas of the region. Over the years various social, religious and economic factors contributed to making it such a huge celebration. Kullu Dussehra provides plenty of opportunities for revelers to engage in singing, dancing and shopping. While the celebration has a strong religious aspect, it has also become a major commercial event over the years. Numerous stalls selling a variety of goods are set up in the huge bazaar on this occasion. The International Folk Festival is also organized in Kullu during this time.