religious · October

Kullu Dussehra

International festival where 200+ village deities gather

Oct 2025: begins on Vijayadashami (2 Oct)Kullu7 days
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Overview

Kullu Dussehra is a week-long international festival held on Dhalpur Maidan, Kullu, starting the day the rest of India ends Dussehra. Over 200 village deities are carried in elaborate palanquins to pay homage to Lord Raghunath.

History

The festival dates back to the 17th century when Raja Jagat Singh installed the idol of Lord Raghunath (Rama) in Kullu and declared him the ruling deity of the valley. UNESCO recognized it as an International Festival in 1972.

Schedule

Day 1 — Rath Yatra

  • Ceremonial chariot procession of Lord Raghunath from Sultanpur to Dhalpur Maidan
  • 200+ village devtas arrive with music and dance

Day 2-5

  • Cultural performances at Kala Kendra
  • International folk troupes
  • Trade fair at Dhalpur

Day 6 — Mohalla

  • Assembly of all devtas at Raghunath's camp
  • Traditional Nati dance

Day 7 — Lanka Dahan

  • Burning of Lanka effigy at Beas riverbank
  • Return chariot procession

Venue

Dhalpur Maidan

Dhalpur, Kullu 175101

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Tickets

General entry

Free

Cultural night (Kala Kendra)

Book at venue counter

₹200–₹500

VIP passes

By invitation

Nearby attractions

  • Raghunath Temple2 km
  • Bijli Mahadev14 km
  • Naggar Castle22 km

Tips

  • Book hotels 3 months in advance — rooms fill by August.
  • Dhalpur parking is chaos; take a taxi from your hotel.
  • Evenings get cold (5–8°C) — carry a fleece.

FAQs

When does Kullu Dussehra start?

It begins on Vijayadashami — the day Dussehra ends in the rest of India — and continues for 7 days.

Are tickets needed for Kullu Dussehra?

The main festival is free. Cultural evenings at Kala Kendra have ticketed entry (₹200–₹500).