23/10/2026
Some festivals celebrate the victory of good over evil. And then, there is Kullu Dussehra, where the mountains come alive with centuries of faith, age-old traditions, and a celebration that brings an entire valley together. 🏔️✨
Celebrated in the beautiful Dhalpur Maidan of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Kullu Dussehra is unlike any other Dussehra in the country. While festivities elsewhere conclude with the burning of Ravana’s effigies, the celebrations here begin on Vijayadashami and continue for seven days, bringing together hundreds of deities from the surrounding villages in a magnificent gathering of devotion and culture.
At the heart of this grand celebration is Lord Raghunath Ji, the presiding deity of the Kullu valley. Adorned palanquins, traditional musical instruments, the rhythmic sounds of drums and trumpets, and colourful processions fill the air as local deities make their way to Dhalpur Maidan. Every step carries the weight of an age-old belief, every melody echoes the valley’s rich heritage, and every gathering reflects a bond between the people and their devtas that has endured for generations.
But Kullu Dussehra is more than a religious festival. It is a living expression of Himachali culture, where communities reunite, artisans showcase their crafts, local delicacies find their way to festive tables, and the spirit of togetherness takes centre stage. Against a backdrop of majestic mountains, the celebrations weave together faith, folklore, music, and a sense of belonging that is difficult to put into words.
There is something truly special about witnessing a tradition that has remained so deeply rooted in its people. In Kullu, heritage is not simply remembered; it is carried forward, celebrated, and passed on with every procession, every prayer, and every generation that gathers to be a part of it.
This Kullu Dussehra, may the spirit of devotion, the warmth of community, and the timeless beauty of the Himalayas remind us of the traditions that connect us to our roots.
Because some celebrations are not just festivals. They are stories that a land continues to tell, year after year.
