Special Celebrations at 'Kullu Dussehra Festival' in Himachal Pradesh (INDIA) || A Photo Journey by Lekhraj Bodh

Kullu Dussehra a very special festival, which happens in Himalayan State of India during the month of October every year. Kullu Dussehra Festival is celebrated in the Dhalpur ground of Kullu town. Kullu valley is one of the very beautiful valley which has been shown in many of the Bollywood movies and next to it is Manali.This Photo Journey shares some of the moments from Dhalpur ground during the famous Kullu Dussehra.

Dussehra at Kullu commences on the tenth day of the rising moon, i.e. on 'Vijay Dashmi' day itself and continues for seven days. Festival's history dates back to the 17th century when local King Jagat Singh installed an idol of Raghunath on his throne as a mark of penance. After this, god Raghunath was declared as the ruling deity of the Valley. The State government has accorded the status of International festival to the Kullu Dussehra, which attracts tourists in large numbers every year.  The popularity of this festival has increased a lot in last 10 years and enthusiasts start planning much advance to the festival.

In beautiful Himalayas, the Kullu region is popularly known as ‘Valley of the Gods’, although it was originally known as Kulanthapitha, meaning ‘end of the habitable world’. Sounds contradictory... Kullu has an ancient history with evidence of inhabitants dating back as far as 1st century AD. Over the centuries, the capital has moved three times, from Jagatsukh to Naggar, and then relocated again by the British to its current location in Kullu.

A good collection of beautiful captures from Dussehra Festival 2013 can be checked - here

The major attraction of the fair is the assembly of hundreds of local deities with the main deity Raghunath ji. Other activities like cultural programs, exhibitions etc. To know more about Himachal Dieties, check out - HERE . 

During Kullu Dussehra festival,  around 300 idols from all over the valley and other parts of Himachal Pradesh come to Kullu from their local village temples to pay obeisance to Lord Raghunatha, who is considered as the presiding deity of Kullu Dussehra. Those carrying the deities are usually paid an incentive by the State Government  to make the journey and join in the celebrations.

Parvati Valley, which runs parallel to it – have for decades been popular with travellers keen to get a taste of India’s ancient culture and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. Back in 1972 the Dueeshra Festival was declared an international event and since then its popularity has grown a lot. Many of the cultural troupes from various countries also invited to perform and take part in the festivities.