Kullu is known as Kulanthpeeth, which roughly means Valley of the Gods. This valley has been a favorite destination for tourists who want to experience the mysterious land. The Kullu Dussehra festival, which commemorates the local deities and perpetuates the spirit of good over evil, is celebrated with pomp and show. Our guide to Kullu Dussehra 2023 Will introduce you to the dates of the festival, the legends behind it, the main procession and things to do at the time of the event.
table of content
- About Kullu Dussehra 2023
- History of Kullu Dussehra 2023
- Kullu Dussehra Day Program
- Kullu Dussehra Night Program
- Kullu Dussehra Fair
- Places to visit on Dussehra
- Things to do on Dussehra
- where to stay
- how to reach
Details about Kullu Dussehra 2023
opening date | 24 October 2023 (probable) |
Last date | 30 October 2023 (probable) |
Duration | 1 week |
venue | Dhalpur ground |
Dussehra is celebrated all over India on Vijay Dashami, which is the tenth day of Navratri in the month of October. Kullu Dussehra is celebrated a little differently from the rest of the country as the celebrations in Kullu begin after the nine-day festival ends. The week-long festival, which was declared an international event in 1972, is visited by more than 5 lakh people.
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History of Kullu Dussehra 2023
There are many legends about the Kullu Dussehra festival. One of them is that Maharishi Jamadagni was returning from Mount Kailash with a basket full of idols of eighteen different deities. While crossing the Chandarkhani Pass, he was caught in a storm where he saw these images taking the form of gods. These gods saved him from further suffering. As a result, people celebrate these deities with great enthusiasm.
Kullu Dussehra program during the day
Dussehra festival in Kullu starts from early morning. On the first day, 200 village deities including Lord Raghunath come to the valley in palanquins. They are carried on foot by messengers. These messengers are elected by the local people among themselves. Before moving towards Dhalpur grounds, the deities gather in the palace in the form of the king. They are decorated with garlands and curtains and decorated with silver masks.
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Kullu Dussehra Night Program
At night, many cultural programs and activities are organized. Dussehra festival in Kullu is famous for its night programmes. With the sound of drums and trumpets, it becomes a wonderful source of entertainment. The local deities dance before settling down, i.e. moving back and forth and swaying from side to side. The image of Lord Raghunath is placed in a chariot and the ropes of the chariot are pulled by the devotees.
Kullu Dussehra Fair
The latter half of the week is dedicated to the Kullu Dussehra Fair, a huge retail fair that takes place at the Dhalpur grounds. This fair is famous for local dance and music performances. Locals start practicing six months before the big event to put on a great performance. The last day of the festival is reserved for animal sacrifice. But Kullu FairA fish, a crab, a buffalo, a cock and a lamb are sacrificed in a huge bonfire.
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Best places to visit in Kullu on Dussehra
Image credit: Rajarshi Mitra for Wikimedia Commons
Here is a list of the most famous places where all travelers must visit on their holidays. Keep scrolling down and reading!
- Raghunath Temple: Famous as the oldest temple in Kullu, Raghunath Temple is home to an ancient idol of Lord Raghunath. A lot of devotees visit this temple during Dussehra and you must add it to your list.
- Bijli Mahadev Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Bijli Mahadev Temple is one of the best places to visit in Kullu for all the pilgrims. It is also known as the Temple of Electricity and attracts a large number of tourists every year.
- Basheshwar Mahadev Temple: Built in the 8th century, this stunning temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the major tourist places near Kullu. Admire the magnificent structure of this temple and relax amidst the peace by stopping here during your visit.
Best things to do in Kullu during Dussehra
Image Credit: Himanshu Jain for Wikimedia Commons
Take a look at this amazing list of things to do in Manali that you can do during your holidays and enjoy the festivities Dussehra in Kullu, Choose the ones you like the most and make your trip memorable!
- shopping: One of the best things to do when you are in Kullu is shopping for souvenirs to take back home. You can shop for various items like pickles, jams, traditional jewelery and Kullu shawls.
- local food: For all the foodies, Kullu is one of the best places where they can satiate their taste buds with delicious food. Some of the dishes that you must try are Patarodu, Bhature, Kodra Roti, Vada, Sattu and Jaatu. Visit the most popular cafes and restaurants like Kullu Food Cafe, Kuber Fast Meals and Rolls Cafe to try these delicious dishes.
- Temple Visit: There are a lot of temples in Kullu and you must visit them all. During the day, you can visit the famous temples and participate in the Dussehra festival in the evening. Bijli Mahadev Temple and Raghunath Temple are the most beautiful temples that you must visit in your holidays.
- Hiking: All adventure lovers can enjoy hiking and trekking in Kullu. Kullu has great hiking and trekking routes and you must check them out for that adrenaline rush!
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where to stay in kullu
This decision depends on your preferred location and budget. If you want a luxurious stay then you can stay at Hotel Shobla Royale. The hotel is equipped with world class facilities and is quite popular among foreign tourists. Hotel Kullu Valley, on the other hand, is closer to the venue and has a balcony attached to the rooms from where you can view the mountains while sipping a cup of hot chocolate.
How to reach Kullu?
Indira Gandhi International Airport is located at a distance of 16 km from New Delhi city centre. The airport is located in Palam and is considered to be one of the busiest airports in the country. Daily flights are provided by Air India and one can take the earliest flight departing from Delhi at 6:45 am. By road, Delhi is 497 km from Kullu, which can be easily covered in 9 hours by car, bike or state bus, if everything goes well.
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The Dhalpur ground is decorated with colorful flowers and tents, which change the overall look of the venue. Among the various types of dances in Kullu like Ghadai, Panjraagi, Dohri, Pheti, Lahuli, Kortha, Charse-Tarase, Bandhu, Rakhs and Fagli etc., Lalhadi dance is very popular. Book a trip to Kullu instantly with Tips Clear to avail exciting deals and discounts to watch Kullu Dussehra live. This trip will be worth your time and money.
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FAQs about Kullu Dussehra
Why is Kullu Dussehra famous?
Dussehra is a celebration of good over evil and is celebrated all over India. Every year Dussehra fair is organized in Kullu and this makes Kullu Dussehra famous. A lot of travelers come to Kullu to attend this grand fair.
Can I attend Kullu Dussehra Mela during COVID-19?
Only people who have taken both doses of the vaccine are allowed to enter the Kullu Dussehra fair. People who have not been vaccinated or have just taken the first dose are prohibited from entering the food market.
When did Kullu Dussehra start?
Kullu Dussehra was started by Raja Jagat Singh in the 17th century.
What are the best restaurants in Kullu?
Valentino Cooking with Herbs, Maitre and Root Restaurant are some of the most popular restaurants in Kullu where you can enjoy delicious food on your holidays.
What are some of the best places to visit in Manali?
The best attractions where you must visit in Manali are Manikaran, Naggar Castle, Raghunathji Temple, Raisan, Dhakpo Shedupling Monastery, Great Himalayan National Park, Jamula Temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple, and more.
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