Dussehra Celebrated in Kullu Himachal Pradesh: The International Festival 2024
Dussehra is among the most popular festivals in India, and it celebrates the victory of goodness over evil. Although this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the nation, the town of Kullu is located in the beautiful hilly terrain in Himachal Pradesh and hosts one of the most distinctive and lively
Dussehra festivals in India. Also known as the Kullu Dussehra, the festival is not just a significant cultural celebration for the locals but has also earned international recognition, drawing visitors from all over the globe. Through its mix of customs and colourful procession events with religious fervour, as well as the rich heritage of culture, The Kullu Dussehra is an international event that stands out from the numerous Dussehra celebrations throughout India.
The Unique Story Behind Kullu Dussehra
Kullu Dusshera, commonly known as ” The International Festival “, is an expression of the region’s rich customs and religious practices. The Dusshera celebration, which generally runs for seven days, celebrates a victory for Lord Rama over Ravana and the triumph of goodness over evil, similar to other celebrations in regions of India. What makes Kullu’s Dussehra celebration distinctive is the way in which it has transformed into a major spiritual, cultural, and religious celebration.
The roots of Kullu Dussehra lie in the belief in Raghunathji as the avatar of Lord Rama. Legend has it that the king of Kullu during the seventeenth century brought the idol of Lord Raghunath from the Temple of Chamba to Kullu to cleanse the area of severe drought.
Once the idol was brought to Kullu, the king made a vow to hold a festival every year in honour of Lord Raghunath and to commemorate the triumph of good over evil. The Dussehra celebration in Kullu, therefore, does not just commemorate the Lord’s triumph against Ravana but also commemorates the love of the area for Lord Raghunath.
Kullu Dusshera has grown over the years and is now an impressive spectacle that draws people from all over the world to attend the distinctive celebrations.
Kullu Dussehra: A Spectacle of Culture, Devotion, and Tradition
Contrary to Dussehra celebration, which culminate in the burning of Ravana’s effigy in all parts of India, Kullu Dussehra is known for its “religious procession, traditional dances, music in addition to the worshipping of a variety of local gods. The entire valley is live during the week-long festival, and towns like Kullu act as the focal location. This article will highlight the main aspects of Kullu Dussehra, one of the most well-known festivals in the world:
The Arrival of Raghunathji’s Procession
Kullu Dussehra officially begins on the Vijayadashami (tenth day) and runs for a week. The festival starts with a grand procession which celebrates the first anniversary of Lord Raghunathji’s statue of the Raghunath Temple, which is located in the middle of Kullu town. The idol is encased in the most beautiful chariot decorated with flowers and is carried on the shoulders of devotees as they walk through Kullu’s streets. Kullu.
The procession is accompanied by the traditional music of the Himachali, dance and the beats that pound the dhols(drums). All across the region assemble on the square in town to offer tribute to Lord Raghunath and participate in the festivities.
The most notable part of the parade is the”chariot, which is the symbol of Raghunath, which is followed by the chariots of various local gods from the villages around. The gods are revered and respected, and the procession is visually appealing to spectators.
A Gathering of Gods and Deities
What sets Kullu Dussehra apart from other events is the presence of an extensive number of local gods who participate in the celebrations. All over and around the Kullu Valley bring their respective divinities to the festival, and all of them are put on a chariot decorated with flowers and paraded around the streets. Locals believe that during this period, the gods and goddesses from the region came together to bless people with wealth and health.
Around 300 deities from the villages around Kullu Valley. Kullu Valley is brought to the festival as part of a grand procession, which makes Kullu Dussehra a veritable “congregation of gods”. This element of the festival lends an ethereal, spiritual flavour, which isn’t often found anywhere else in India. The number of gods, each with their distinctive story and significance and significance, enhances the spirituality of the celebration.
Traditional Dances and Music
Dussehra is a lively festival in Kullu that celebrates the area’s”folk customs. The entire town is filled with traditional music and dance that form an integral element of the celebration. The dance of the Nati is a traditional Himachali dance performed by both men as well as women.
Costumed in traditional dress, dancers perform in unison to the beats of dhols as well as other instruments from the folk music. Dances are usually followed by singing, chanting and playing other instruments of the region, like the shehnai (a blow instrument), flutes and sitar.
The songs that are sung traditionally during the Dussehra festivities tell tales of local gods and heroes and the past, which is the Kullu Valley. People are invited to join in the festivities, and this creates Kullu Dussehra, a truly inclusive festival. The mix of dance, music and religion creates a pulsating ambience that is difficult to forget.
The Burning of Effigies: A Symbol of Victory
The burning of Ravana’s effigy is an important aspect of Dussehra in the majority of India. However, Kullu’s Dussehra is distinctive in the manner in which it is celebrated. While Kullu Dussehra is not characterized by the massive burning of Ravana’s effigy as elsewhere, The festival nevertheless concludes with a symbol of victory over evil. The triumphant flames are represented in the rituals, which include the sacrifice of animals as well as the prayer offerings to the gods. The purpose of this is to worship the gods and represent the eradication of enemies that threaten peace and harmony of the area.
The International Appeal of Kullu Dussehra
Kullu Dussehra has gained international recognition for its unique mixture of religious fervour as well as cultural heritage and extravagant celebrations. It is a popular destination for tourists all over the world who travel to see its beauty. In the past, this festival was featured in a variety of international travel publications and documentaries, and it has become one of India’s most popular cultural festivals.
In recent years, Kullu Dussehra has even become an integral part of the international travel and tourism industry, and a lot of foreigners have attended the festival to discover the vibrant Indian culture and its spiritual practices. The presence of a significant amount of foreign tourists has led to the festival being regarded as an”International Festival”, further increasing the awe-inspiring and prestigious nature of the festival.
Rituals and Traditions During Kullu Dussehra
Alongside the grand procession and cultural shows, Kullu Dussehra is marked by distinct rituals and customs that make it unique:
Animal Sacrifices In a few areas within the Kullu Valley, animal sacrifices are offered to gods during the festival as a part of the ceremonies. The practice has its roots in the old traditions and is believed to please the gods. Although this practice is controversial as it has been a source of debate, it is part of the religions in some areas.
Kullu Shawl Offerings The people offer shawls made of Kullu and other handcrafted objects to the gods. The Kullu shawl is a renowned item from the region, famous for its intricate patterns and vivid hues. There is a belief that giving these shawls in Dussehra will bring luck and prosperity.
– Community gatherings and feasts This is an opportunity to socialize and gather as a community. Friends and families gather to savour traditional Himachali delights, including side, chana madra, and dham, which are prepared and served in large amounts to devotees and visitors.
The Spiritual Significance of Kullu Dussehra
At its heart, Kullu Dussehra is a deeply spiritual holiday that celebrates the triumph of divine forces over darkness’s forces. It is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of the virtues (dharma) in all aspects of life and the necessity of adhering to moral principles. It is also a time for contemplation, prayer, and seeking blessings from God for health, prosperity and happiness.
This Kullu Dussehra is also an important time for the people in the region to celebrate their identity as a people of the region. It is an occasion when the entire community gathers to honour their common tradition, heritage and devotion to their gods. This festival promotes the feeling of belonging and unity among the citizens of Kullu and the surrounding areas.
Conclusion: Kullu Dussehra – A Truly International Festival
Dussehra is celebrated in Kullu and is more than an event for the locals. It is an international festival that has become famous due to its unique blend of culture, spirituality and tradition. The grand procession of the festival, as well as the gathering of hundreds of gods, traditional dances and music, along with the spirit of worship, makes it an unforgettable festival that draws people from all over the globe.
In a world where celebrations tend to be marketed as commercial or devalued in their meaning, the Kullu Dussehra is an affirmation of the importance of spirituality and tradition. It highlights the importance of good over evil and the collective effort needed to ensure peace and harmony.
About Kullu Dussehra?
Kullu Dussehra is an annual celebration that lasts for a week by the people of Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh celebrating the triumph of the good over evil. It is a unique mix of cultural, religious, and traditional celebrations, attracting people from all over the globe.
What is the reason Kullu Dussehra observed?
Kullu Dussehra celebrates the victory over the Lord Rama over Ravana and symbolizes the triumph of goodness over evil. It also celebrates Lord Raghunath and his idol, who was taken into Kullu at the end of 17th century to bring an end to an incredibly dry spell.
What is it that makes Kullu Dussehra different from other Dussehra celebrations?
Unlike other parts of India where the effigies of Ravana’s are burnt, Kullu Dussehra is marked with grand procession parades and an assembly of regional gods along with folk dances and music which makes it a spiritually lively and culturally rich celebration.
What is the length of time that it take to make the Kullu Dussehra festival run?
The festival lasts for seven days. It begins on the 10th day Dussehra (Vijayadashami) beginning on the tenth day of Dussehra (Vijayadas continues through the full moon day.
The significance behind the Lord Raghunath as a figure in Kullu Dussehra?
Lord Raghunath is believed to be the avatar of Lord Rama and his god was taken into Kullu through the King during the 17th century in order to end the drought that was ravaging the region. The festival is a celebration of his power and divine protection.
What is happening when you attend when there is Kullu Dussehra parade?
The festival begins with a spectacular procession, which includes Lord Raghunath’s idol, which is in the most beautiful Chariot. The procession is accompanied by more than 300 other local gods who are all taken from villages around as they parade through the city of Kullu.
What is the reason local gods are significant in Kullu Dussehra?
The presence of local gods and goddesses at this festival shows the deep spiritual bond that the Kullu people to their gods. The procession of more than 300 gods represents the devotion to the region’s gods and protectors.
Do you have any traditional music and dances in the celebration?
Yes, the Kullu Dussehra festival is a celebration of the vibrant traditional Himachali dances, such as Nati. Nati, which are performed by women and men and with local music played by instruments such as dhols, shehnais and flutes.
What is the reason Kullu Dussehra called an “International Festival”?
Kullu Dussehra has gained international recognition because of its unique blend of religious, cultural, along with traditional and religious elements. The festival draws a large number of visitors from abroad each year, which makes it a major festival within the tourism as well as cultural scene.
Do you know of any animal sacrifices in Kullu Dussehra?
In certain areas in Kullu Valley, in certain areas of Kullu Valley, animal sacrifices are offered to gods in the course of ritualistic celebrations. The practice is controversial. practice that is deeply rooted in the local tradition however, it is the core of celebration for some communities.
