The annual Dussehra festival in Kullu Valley, alternatively referred to as 'Kulanthapitha' (Valley of Gods), is a globally renowned event that draws tens of thousands of tourists.
This year, the renowned International Dussehra festival Kullu Dussehra is being held in Himachal Pradesh, located in northern India, on October 15. Dussehra commences in Kullu on the tenth day of the October festival Navratri and continues for the following seven days. The festival serves as a remembrance of the deity Lord Raghunath’s installation in the Kullu valley. Additionally, for devotees, the festival represents the victory of righteousness over malevolence. The festivities attract tens of thousands of visitors from around the world. The vibrant attire, music, cuisine, dancing, and troupe performances that comprise the Dussehra contribute to its alluring ambiance. Kullu Dussehra was officially acknowledged as a global celebration in 1972.
The annual Dussehra festival in Kullu Valley, alternatively referred to as ‘Kulanthapitha’ (Valley of Gods), is a globally renowned event that draws tens of thousands of tourists. The Kullu Dussehra festival has its origins in the 16th century, when King Jagat Singh of Kullu allegedly performed an act of contrition by installing an idol of Raghunath on his throne. According to historical accounts, the idol of Lord Raghunath was transported from Ayodhya to Kullu in 1651, during the reign of the monarch.
King Jagat Singh extended an invitation to all deities to gather in homage to Lord Raghunath, thereby instigating the enduring annual Dussehra festival. Lord Raghunath was also proclaimed the paramount deity of the Kullu Valley by him.
An integral part of the Kullu Dussehra celebrations are dance and music. Joy and plenty are represented by the vibrant ornamentation. Kullu Dussehra was designated an international celebration in 1972. The festival entered the Guinness Book of World Records in 2016 as the largest voluntary folk dance performance, attracting over 9,000 performers.
While the Dussehra festival is observed in various regions of India, Nepal, and Malaysia, only the week-long celebration in Kullu is recognized as an international event. Safety considerations prompted modifications to the 2021 Kullu Dussehra festivities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Diverse Indian states implemented stringent crowd control and social distancing protocols. It was recommended that the general public remain indoors and observe the festival in a subdued fashion.
Dussehra 2023: All You Need to Know About Dussehra in India
During Kullu Dussehra 2015, the International Folk Dance Festival featured performances by artists hailing from various nations, including Russia, Portugal, Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Taiwan.
The historical nomenclature for the Kullu valley was ‘Kuluta.’
Since 2014, animal sacrifices have been absent from Kullu Dussehra festivities.
In December 2014, the renowned idol of Lord Raghunath was pilfered from the temple; however, it was promptly reinstated.
Around 500,000 to over 400,000 individuals travel to the Kullu valley to observe Kullu Dussehra.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | October 15 | Saturday |
| 2023 | October 24 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | October 15 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | October 15 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 15 | Thursday |
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