Talk about Dasara and the first thing that comes to mind is burning of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath. But this image of effigy burning does not apply to Kullu Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh. Kullu Dussehra 2024 begins on October 12 to October 17. In Kullu Dussehra, Lord Raghunath (Lord Ram) is worshipped and the Dasara festivities begin on Vijayadasami day – when the Dussehra festivities end in other of India
The popular legend of Kullu Dussehra is associated with Raja Jagat Singh who unknowingly became responsible for the death of a family and to overcome the remorse he was advised to worship Lord Ram.
The King was able to overcome remorse and depression through the worship of Lord Ram. As a thanksgiving, the King invited all the deities in the Kullu valley to participate in Lord Ram worship on Vijayadasami day. The next 7-days were dedicated to worship and celebration.
Dussehra at Kullu commences on the Vijayadashmi with the arrival of Goddess Hadimba from Manali. Nearly 200 deities worshipped in the various temples in the valley also arrive to pay respect to Lord Ram. The deities are accompanied by attendants and they reach the venue of Kullu Dussehra in colorful procession. The highlight of the festival is the arrival of deities in colorfully decorated palanquins.
Lord Ram arrives from Sultanpur Temple
On the last day of the festival, grass is burned on the banks of River Beas. All deities then bid goodbye to Lord Ram and promising to see next year. All local deities return to their respective temples.