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Kullu Dussehra
Kullu
Kullu, which is located on the turf of Indian Himalaya is often
described as a 'Valley of Gods' in Himachal Pradesh and the title
beautifully justifies the valley. There are many temples (dedicated to
local gods and goddesses of the region ) located in the surroundings of
Kullu valley and the people of valley worship them with great faith and
belief. Besides temple, there are many fairs and festivals that takes
place in the Kullu Valley. Pipal Jatra, celebrated between 28th April-
30th April every year at the start of spring season, Shamshi Virshu is
also celebrated in the month of April. Besides these regional fairs, the
Kullu Dussehra is one of the most popular fairs of Kullu valley that
marks the victory of 'good over evil'.
Kullu Dussehra Celebrations
Dussehra is a week long celebration in Kullu, which normally starts on
Vijaydashmi, (in the month of October) the day Dussehra come to an end
in the rest of the country. This is the time when valley could be seen
in its best form with colorful attire of the people, who have come
across all over the valley. The history of Kullu Dussehra dates back to
the 17th century when the king Jaganand installed an idol of Raghunath
or Lord Rama on his throne as a mark of penance. Lord Raghunath, who is
the main deity of the festival is taken in a procession along with other
deities of the region. It is believed that all the gods of the valley
visit the region to pay homage to Lord Raghunath. On the first day of
the festival, the chariot of Lord Raghunath is pulled from the Dhalpur
Maidan to another spot across the maidan (area) by big ropes. The
pulling of ropes is regarded as sacred by the local people. The whole
seven - day is celebrated with great enthusiast and zeal by the local
people of that region. They dance, sing and perform a sort of play
(known as Ramlila) based on the legend of Lord Rama. On the last day of
the festival the chariot of Lord Raghunath is taken near the bank of the
river Beas, where a pile of wood and grass is set on fire symbolizing
the burning of Lanka.
Festivity In The City
The festivity continues for the seven days and is celebrated with full
enthusiasm, zeal and liveliness all over the Kullu Valley. Devotees
dressed in a colorful and beautiful attire throng the place on that
particular day. They sing, dance and go merry all around the valley and
the masses could be seen accumulated on a huge Dhalpur ground. Besides
that one gets an opportunity to see the regional dance of the region,
which is only apparent during Kullu Dussehra or any regional festivals.
As part of the festival, traders who have come from all over the valley
set up temporary stalls, where woollen shawls, caps, blankets and many
other things kept on display. Various government organizations and
private agencies also put up an exhibitions based on their line of work.
Apart from the festivals, visitors get a chance to witness the
international cultural festival in Kala Kendra, an open-air theatre
situated near Dhalpur ground. With this colorful festival of Kullu,
Kullu Dussehra ends all the fairs and festivals of the valley. |
