Located in the stunning Kullu Valley of the state of Himachal Pradesh, Kullu Dussehra is more than just an occasion of merriment and celebration; it is an experience of spiritual enlightenment, a tapestry of tremendous cultural and spiritual significance woven from the fabrics of faith, tradition, and community. As the chilled winds of autumn descend upon the majestic Himalayas, the picturesque Kullu Valley prepares itself as a divine platform, the venue for what could well be the most stunning and exclusive celebration of the country. As opposed to the single-day events of burning effigies that mark the occasion in the rest of the country, in Kullu, the festivities of Dussehra begin after seven days, on the very day the country celebrates Vijayadashami.

The Historical Tale: A King’s Atonement

The heartbeat of Kullu Dussehra lives in a classic anecdote of the 17th century. An icon of remorse and redemption, the tale revolves around the misjustice that King Jagat Singh, the ruler of Kullu, imposed upon a holy Brahmin named Durga Dutt, by robbing his land.

Feeling sorry after coming to know that the Brahmin chose self-immolation rather than opposition, the king fell prey to a dreadful, uncontrollable illness. As the legend says, his skin turned vile. In the hope of finding some relief from his misfortune, the king consulted a wise sage.

The sage prescribed a powerful remedy: that the sanctified idol of the Lord Rama, ‘Raghunath Ji,’ be brought from Ayodhya and installed in Kullu as the supreme ruler of that place. The king’s men undertook this arduous journey and brought the idol of the Lord.

As the Lord Raghunath Ji was ceremonially installed, a miracle happened: the king was cured of his ailment. In his profound gratitude and humility, the king, Jagat Singh, abdicated the throne in the presence of the people, declaring that the eternal king of this place, Kullu, was now Lord Raghunath Ji himself.

From this time forward, the fate of the valley has become inextricably linked with the divine will of Lord Rama, and thus the Dussehra that we now celebrate is a celebration of the presence of a Living God-King among His people.

The Celebration

For seven sacred days, the Dhalpur Maidan in Kullu becomes the center of the universe for devotees. The celebration is a sensory and spiritual journey, each ritual a chapter in a divine story.

1. The Grand Rath Yatra

The festival comes alive as the magnificent Rath Yatra starts. The idol of Lord Raghunath, in all its finery of silken robes and precious jewels, sits triumphantly on top of a towering, intricately carved wooden rath at Raghunath Temple, Sultanpur. To the drums of dhols, accompanied by the clarion call of narsinghas, and karnals, long brass trumpets used as religious symbols, hundreds of devotees advance rapidly, pulling on the heavy ropes of the rath as they exhibit their intense passion and ardor. The air is charged with the cries of ecstatic worship as devotees hail, ‘Jai Raghunath!’. As the rath commences its journey to Dhalpur Maidan. This is no ordinary procession; this is a mass gathering where the heart of the kingdom is being taken, seeking an audience with His subjects and heavenly visitors.

2. Dev Milan

This is the spectacle that transcends human imagination, embodying the true essence of Kullu Dussehra. From all the far-off villages and temples, over 300 local gods, or Devtas and Dewis carried on thrones-like ornate carriages called Ratha, assemble at Dhalpur Maidan. Each god, representing the deity of that particular village community, is accompanied by their retinue. There is an enchanting picture of a vibrant forest moving about on the maidan.

The Dev Milan is a formal and awestruck “meeting” wherein these gods of the village pay obeisance to their sovereign, Lord Raghunath. Moreover, It’s as if a divine cabinet were meeting, a spiritual parliament reaffirming the cosmic order. The cacophony of different temple bands, the swaying movements of the palanquins, and the faith in its most intimate aspect on every face create an atmosphere which is electrifying and deeply humbling. One witnesses not just faith but an entire social and spiritual ecosystem in vibrant display.

3. Living Traditions & Himalayan Flavors

Between these grand rituals, the valley throbs with cultural activities. The evenings are filled with the rhythmic and captivating sounds of the Nati dance. Gatherings of women and men, looking elegant in their traditional attires, with women sporting traditional rachis and chadors. And men wearing caps and woolen coats, move their feet in synchrony, their steps narrating the ancient history of the mountains.

The festival is also a feast for all the senses. The smell of traditional Himachali cuisine pervades the surroundings. Women prepare Siddu (steaming wheat buns with spices or sweet stuffings), Madra (a creamy curd preparation with chickpeas or kidney beans), Babra (a buckwheat pancake), and more in a skilled manner. The enjoyment of food becomes a way to bring people together, a blessing to mortals as gods shower above.

4. Lanka Dahan

The final evening finds the action shifting to the sandy banks of the mighty Beas River. It is here that a profound departure from the common imagery associated with Dussehra occurs. Instead of towering effigies of Ravana, the people of Kullu prepare a symbolic bonfire of grass and wood. This Lanka Dahan represents the burning of evil’s abode-a quiet, solemn metaphor for the victory of good. The atmosphere is one of introspection rather than raucous celebration. The flames crackle along the flowing river and towering mountains. With this, the deities begin their journeys long back to their village temples. Their palanquins disappearing into the mountain trails until next year.

Conclusion: More Than a Festival, a Blessing

An experience that leaves an indelible mark on the soul. Even after the crowds have left the Valley of the Gods. To the people of Himachal, it is the unyielding link that unites them with their heritage. Their identity, and their belief in the divine forces that protect their ruggedly beautiful land. And to the visitor, it is a unique glimpse into a culture where myth and reality walk hand in hand.

It is a gift of Himachal—a gift of seeing humanity united in their dedication to prayer. A gift of listening to old melodies off old hillsides, and a gift of experiencing a deep. The festival also serves to remind us of an important truth: in our increasingly busy world, there are still places where gods make annual pilgrimages, where a king’s repentance created a legacy of faith, and where for seven days out of each fall season, heaven actually touches down to earth in the Kullu Valley.

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