Posted 18 July 2024 in Travel wanderlust

Get in the festive mood, celebrate Dussehra in Kullu

Dussehra is one of the most revered festivals, a celebration of Lord Rama’s victory over the demon-king Ravana. Dussehra is celebrated in September or October, during the full moon of the seventh month of the Hindu calendar. If you want to celebrate Dussehra with pomp, then you should pay a visit to the district of Kullu in Himachal Pradesh.

Kullu is dubbed the ‘Valley of Gods’ since there are numerous shrines dedicated to Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist deities. It is a beautiful town located on the banks of the River Beas and acts as a transit point for travellers heading up to the hill station of Manali in Himachal Pradesh. A mesmerising place, there are lush forests, gushing river streams, and twisted mountain trails leading to the higher regions of the Himalayas.

The people of Kullu grandly celebrate Dussehra for almost a week, and it involves a variety of cultural events that celebrate local traditions. The festival attracts people from all over the world as it is a great time to visit Kullu to be a part of this lively festival and immerse in the local culture. Book economical flights to Kullu with IndiGo and enjoy a great Dussehra.

History of Dussehra in Kullu

The celebration of Dussehra in such a grand manner in Kullu dates back to the 17th Century. There is a local legend that states the ruler of Kullu during the period 1637-1672 started the tradition of Kullu Dussehra. The ruler Raja Jagat Singh was cursed by a priest who had set himself and his family on fire. The king was looking for certain jewels which he thought the priest possessed. After the death of the priest, the king suffered from hallucinations and he was advised by another priest to procure an idol of Lord Rama and bring it to Kullu. Raja Jagat Singh procured an idol of Lord Rama from Ayodhya (the deemed birthplace of Lord Rama) and he started to get cured of the effects of his curse. The king became a vehement devotee of Lord Rama and established the worship of Lord Rama during Dussehra, in Kullu. The tradition has since been continued and has become a part of the culture of Kullu. The tales about the king and his curse might be folklore, but the locals revere the deity and celebrate the festival with extravagance.

About the Kullu Dussehra Festival

The festival takes place at the Dhalpur Maidan in the Kullu Valley. Also called the Kullu Dussehra festival, the festival is celebrated a little differently in Kullu compared to the rest of India. The sheer size of the celebration is something that enhances its grandeur. In most parts of India, Dussehra is on the tenth day after Navratri with an effigy of Ravana being burnt. However, in Kullu, the celebrations start on the tenth day and continue for a week after that and no effigy is burnt. Instead, locals light a bonfire symbolising new beginnings. The Kullu Dussehra is not only a celebration of Lord Rama but all other Hindu deities too. Lord Rama is monikered as Lord Raghunath, the major deity of Kullu.

One of the main attractions of the Kullu Dussehra is the Rath Yatra where the idol of Lord Raghunath is placed on a chariot along with the idols of other deities and paraded across the venue of the festival. There is music, folk dances, and religious rituals performed by the priests. One of the major attractions is the Lalrhi Nati, a traditional dance of Kullu, and attendees take part in this dance as a way of paying homage to Lord Raghupati. The Guinness Book of World Records certified the largest Nati dance in the world during the Kullu Dussehra in 2015. During the event, devotees from all over the world come and seek blessings from the various deities worshipped here. You get to witness Kullu in a bright and vibrant state when you visit during the Kullu Dussehra. It is a time of fun and frolic, and the whole city is in a festive mood.

Things to do in Kullu

In addition to attending the festival, when in Kullu, you should head out and see the many places that this hill station has to offer. Kullu is an amazing place where you can enjoy a plethora of activities like adventure sports, trekking, and sightseeing. Here are the best things to do when visiting Kullu:

Paragliding: Kullu is one of the few places in India where you can engage in paragliding. There are many paragliding spots in the district. Manali, in Kullu, is the paragliding hotspot of the place. You get to enjoy mesmerising views of mountains and coniferous forests when you embark on a paragliding experience. The best spots for paragliding in Kullu are Solang Valley, Fatru, Bijli Mahadev, Kangla Valley, and Marhi.
Trekking: A visit to Kullu calls for trekking through the rocky pathways and exploring the Himalayan wilderness. Treks here take you through lush green valleys and high mountain peaks from where you get to experience the fresh Himalayan air and exhilarating views. Some of the best trekking trails in Kullu are the Beas Kund, Hampta Pass, Brighu Lake, and Denpasar.
Music festivals: Do attend the various electronic music or rock music festivals in Kullu. These go on for a few days and you get to experience the vibrant side of Kullu. Some of the most popular music festivals in Kullu are the Parvati Peaking Festival and the Indrasan Festival.
Sightseeing: Kullu is a beautiful place where you can spend a lot of time sightseeing. After enjoying the festivities of the Kullu Dussehra, you can head out to nearby places, and check out the popular tourist sites in and around the town. Here are some of the best tourist sites that you must visit:
Manikaran: This mesmerising place is located between the Rivers Beas and Parvati. Renowned for its hot water springs, Manikaran is located 42 km away from Kullu. The time around Kullu Dussehra is great to visit Manikaran and enjoy a bath at the hot water springs.
Naggar Castle: The castle was built by the erstwhile ruler of Kullu, Raja Sindhi Singh, around A.D. 1460. The castle is carved with intrinsic architectural work known as Kath Khuni, which is a wood-based style. The stone and wooden structure overlooks Kullu and is surrounded by apple orchards. You can enjoy a stay at this palace, as it has been converted into a heritage hotel, and enjoy splendid views of the mountains surrounding Kullu.
Raison: Raison is a small cluster of villages located along the banks of the River Beas. You can enjoy white water rafting, mountain climbing, and camping at this place. The place is enveloped by apple orchards and seasonal flowers, adding to its beauty.
Dhakpo Shedeupling Monastery: Located 10 km from Kullu, this monastery was inaugurated in 2005 by the spiritual leader, His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. The panoramic view of Kullu from atop the monastery is a sight to remember. You can interact with the monks who reside in the monastery and get to know more about their life in Kullu.
Great Himalayan National Park: The national park, located approximately 75 km from Kullu, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The national park is a conservatory for various species of rare flora and fauna that are found only in the Himalayan mountain range. You need to trek to the park since there are no direct roads. There are accommodations inside the national park and you can stay there to soak in nature’s beauty.
Bijli Mahadev Temple: This sacred pilgrimage site is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva. The temple is situated atop the Mathan Hills and is surrounded by Parvati, Kullu, Bhuntar, and Garsa hills. The temple is built in a spectacular fashion and the carvings on the doors are exquisite.

How to reach Kullu?

By road: Kullu is connected to other parts of India through a network of highways. The most prominent roadway to Kullu is through the National Highway 1 and 21, connecting it to Delhi and other nearby cities.
By rail: There is no direct railway line to Kullu; you can take a train to Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which is the nearest railway station to Kullu. It is located 100 km from Kullu, and you can take a bus, private car, or taxi to travel to Kullu from the railway station.
By air: There are various daily flights to Kullu. The airport in Kullu is called the Kullu-Manali Airport which is 10 km from the town. The airport is quite close to the bus station at Bhunter. Additionally, you can fly to the Jammu Airport with IndiGo, as the airline connects Jammu to other parts of India with daily flights. Jammu is located 258 km from Kullu, and you can reach there by bus or taxi. IndiGo round-trip flights are a great travel option as you get to save a lot on your ticket booking and ensure that your return trip is without any hassle.

Best time to travel to Kullu

Kullu is a place that enjoys great weather conditions all year round. The Kullu Dussehra festival generally happens during September or October. The temperatures range between 13°C and 27°C during these months. You can expect slight rainfall too. These months are the onset of winter and one of the best times to visit Kullu. You can extend your stay till December to enjoy snowfall and the enthralling beauty of the snow-capped peaks surrounding Kullu.

Summer: Summer offers mild temperatures, perfect for trekking in the lush green valleys, exploring ancient temples, and enjoying adventure sports amidst scenic Himalayan landscapes.
Monsoon: Kullu during monsoon experiences heavy rainfall from July to September, enhancing its natural beauty with lush greenery and vibrant river streams. It's ideal for rejuvenating amidst the Himalayan foothills.
Winter: During the winter, Kullu is chilly and serene. It's perfect for experiencing snowfall, exploring local culture, and enjoying winter sports in the picturesque Himalayan surroundings.

Travel tips before visiting Kullu

Kullu can get quite cold, especially at night; so remember to carry warm clothes for your trip.
You might experience rainfall during the Kullu Dussehra festival, so carry rain protection gear like umbrellas and rain jackets.
Book your accommodation in advance to avoid the last-minute rush, especially during the festival.
You should reach Kullu one or two days before the Kullu Dussehra festival so that you can get accustomed to the place and attend the festival without any difficulties.
Keep some money handy since it can get difficult to find ATMs, especially when you travel to remote destinations near Kullu.
The people of Himachal Pradesh are warm and friendly but do honour their traditions and cultures.
When going on treks and hikes, carry your medication and wear comfortable footwear.

Conclusion

The Kullu Dussehra festival is magnificently redefined and if you are not a resident of Himachal Pradesh, then you should make it a point to visit the state when the festivities are in full swing. The ambience created by the rituals, the confluence of many people from across the world, the spirit of togetherness, and the mouth-watering dishes are sure to create memories that you will cherish forever.