Kullu Dussehra Festival 2025 - Everything You Need To Know!

Introduction

Welcome to the magical world of Kullu Dussehra, where ancient legends come alive in the stunning valleys of Himachal Pradesh!

Unlike anywhere else in India, over 200 beautifully decorated gods and goddesses arrive from remote mountain villages, with colorful processions filling the streets, and the melodious sounds of traditional Himachali music echoes through the valleys for an entire week.

While most places celebrate Dussehra for just one day, Kullu Dussehra creates an unforgettable experience that stretches from October 2-8, 2025.

Explore our Events and Festival Packages, to experience the spectacular Dussehra in Kullu, that promises memories to last a lifetime.

• International Kullu Dussehra Festival Dates: 02 to 08 October 2025

Main Hotspot: Dhalpur Ground, X446+59W, Dhalpur, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175101

Kullu Dussehra Festival Highlights

• Dussehra Kullu begins on Vijaya Dashmi (the 10th day when the moon is growing), which is when most places end their Dussehra celebration.
• While most Navratri celebrations in India last for 9 days and Dussehra for 1 day, Kullu ka Dussehra lasts for a full week.
• The main celebration happens at Dhalpur Maidan in Kullu, which is the heart of all festivities.

Ancient Tale - How Divine Powers Shaped Dussehra Kullu

Here's a fascinating story from the 16th century about how Kullu Dussehra Festival in Himachal Pradesh began:

The Greedy King's Mistake

Raja Jagat Singh ruled Kullu and heard about a poor farmer who owned precious pearls. The king demanded these pearls, threatening to kill the farmer if he refused. Instead of giving up his treasures, the brave farmer jumped into fire and cursed the evil king, that he would see worms in his rice and blood in his water.

Every meal became horror for Raja Jagat Singh as the curse came true. The king fell sick with a mysterious illness that no doctor or priest could cure.

The Divine Solution

A wise holy man (Pahadi Baba Krishan Datt) told the suffering king, there was only one cure. He must bring Lord Rama's idol from Ayodhya to Kullu to lift the curse. After great struggle, the king managed to bring Lord Raghunath's statue to his kingdom.

The Miracle That Proved Divine Will

Something amazing happened. The idol became heavy when people tried taking it back to Ayodhya. But it became light when moved toward Kullu, showing the Lord wanted to stay. This sacred idol became the heart of the Kullu Dussehra Mela, and and still leads the grand chariot procession through the hills today.

Dussehra In Kullu - Significance & Rituals

The Kullu Dussehra Festival in Himachal Pradesh celebrates good winning over evil. People believe that during Dussehra, all gods and goddesses come down to bless the valley. Families and neighbors unite to make the celebration grand and memorable.

The Special Ritual

One important ritual is the 'Bali', where a buffalo is sacrificed to please Goddess Hadimba. This goddess is believed to protect the entire Kullu valley from harm. The buffalo's blood is offered to the goddess, and people share the meat as blessed food (prasad).

The Grand Procession

• The main attraction of this festival is Lord Raghunath's idol procession. (The same statue brought by Raja Jagat Singh in the 16th century.)
• Local village gods and goddesses join the celebration too.
• These deities travel in beautiful decorated palanquins (carriers) and chariots.
• The whole valley becomes like a divine gathering where all gods meet in one place.

The Best Ways To Experience Kullu Dussehra Mela

Planning to visit Kullu Dussehra? Here are the most exciting ways tourists can enjoy this magical week-long festival and make unforgettable memories in the beautiful Himachal mountains:

1.Start With the Sacred Beginning - Join the special prayers for Lord Raghunath at Sultanpur, and feel the spiritual energy. This is how the week-long celebration officially begins with traditional rituals that have continued for centuries.

2.Watch the Amazing God Parade - See hundreds of local gods and goddesses arrive from mountain villages in one of the most spectacular sights of Dussehra in Kullu.

3. Dance Like the Locals - Learn the famous Nati dance, one of the best things to do n Himachal’s Kullu! It's easy and fun for everyone to join. Men and women dance together while traditional mountain music plays, and locals love when tourists participate.

Don't worry about being perfect; the joy and energy of the moment is what matters the most.

4.Taste Incredible Festival Food - Try special dishes made only during this festival season, with both vegetarian and meat options showcasing authentic Himachali flavors. Street food stalls offer mountain delicacies you can't find anywhere else!

5.Soak Up the Mountain Culture - Enjoy colorful traditional costumes and folk performances while listening to ancient mountain songs played on traditional instruments.

Take Home Special Memories - Browse local handicraft stalls for unique Himachali souvenirs including handmade woolens, jewelry, and wooden crafts. These festival markets offer authentic items you won't find in regular tourist shops.

How To Reach Kullu?

Here are the best ways to reach Kullu for Dussehra:

How To Reach Kullu By Air

1. Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhunter): Only 10 km from Kullu town, right near the bus stand. You can find daily flights from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla.
2. Kangra Airport (Gaggal): 200 km away on Kullu-Pathankot route. Another option for flights.

How To Reach Kullu By Train

There's no direct train to Kullu, but you can reach these nearby railway stations:

1. Joginder Nagar: 120 km away (small narrow gauge track via Mandi-Pathankot route).
2. Kiratpur: 200 km away on Kullu-Chandigarh highway.

Una: About 260 km from Kullu.

How To Reach Kullu By Road

Kullu sits on National Highway NH-21(now NH-3), making it easy to reach by car or bus. It's 50-60 km from Mandi town and 250-270 km from Chandigarh city.

Is Dussehra In Kullu Worth A Visit?

Absolutely! Kullu Dussehra Himachal Pradesh offers an experience unlike any other festival in India. This isn't just a festival but a blend of spiritual journey and cultural immersion.

Where else can you witness over 200 gods gathering in one place, participate in centuries-old rituals, and dance with locals under the starlit Himalayan sky?

From the moment Lord Raghunath's procession begins until the final celebrations end, every moment fills you with wonder and divine energy.

For travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences and spiritual connections, Kullu Dussehra transforms from a simple festival into a life-changing journey!