Festivals play a dominant role in setting our moods in the right order. These indeed make our life more enjoyable and memorable on earth. So today, we have decided to come out with another episode on festivals and celebrations. This time we would take the privilege to discuss the Dussehra festival as celebrated in Kullu in the Himachal Pradesh. This religious tourist spot is located at an elevation of 1230m above the ground. The Bipasha River flows through the region at a rapid pace bisecting the greenery. The snow-capped mountains often peep through the green hills. No doubt, Kullu is a treat to the eyes of the visitors, but equally fascinating is its four hundred years old Dussehra festival. However, the characteristic of its celebration here is somewhat different from the other states of India. How come? Well, read on to find out yourself?
Backdrop
Well, unlike the other states of India here effigies of the demon king Ravana is not put to ashes, rather a Rath Yatra is performed to commemorate the big event. The Rajpariwar of Kullu is very much related with the festival. The celebration gets a kick start at the Vijaya Dashami day from the Raghunath Ji Temple and it continues for seven days. Notably, King Jagat Singh inaugurated the festival here nearly four hundred years ago. From then on it became a tradition here to celebrate the event with great pomp and glory. Jhankis of gods arrive from the various regions of the state days before the actual event.
Celebration
 |
| Cultural Prorgram in the fair |
The festivity is organised at the Dhalpur Garden where the gods are kept carefully in long queues. In between, the Raghunath Ji Temple (a temporary structure) is built on the ground. On the Dussehra day, the Jhankis left for the palace or the real Raghunath Ji Temple passing through the roads and streets. Over here, at the Dhalpur Garden Raghunath Ji is carefully placed on a chariot (Rath). As soon as the Dev Puja of the Rajpariwar ends people pull the holy chords of the chariot. After this, Raghunath Ji is carefully removed from the chariot and placed on the temporary temple of the Dhalpur Garden. A grand fair is organised during the event which attracts both the locals and the tourists. Various programs like the folk dances are organised at the Kala Kendra Rangmanch. Besides, several cultures quiz events take place as well. As soon as the gods return to the temple the event ends.
Some other attractions of Kullu
Kullu has a lot of tourist attractions including the Raghunath Ji Temple, Vaishno Devi Temple, Kullu Palace, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Bisheshwar Temple, etc. If you face any difficulty in finding in-city conducted tours then make sure to tour by hired cars. Taxis are available from the Dhalpur Taxi Stand.