Did you know that Kullu celebrates Dussehra in a very unique way? Unlike other parts of India, the festivities in Kullu begin on Dussehra and continue for seven days. This year, Kullu Dussehra 2025 will be celebrated from Thursday, October 2, 2025, to Wednesday, October 8, 2025. It is a week-long festival held in the Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh, known for its grand celebrations, including the procession of Lord Raghunath and other deities. This festival is a must-experience event, and so from dates to history, here is a guide to Kullu Dussehra 2025.
Kullu Dussehra 2025
The week-long Kullu Dussehra celebration is marked by the installation of Lord Raghunath’s chariot. This festival attracts thousands of visitors from across India and abroad and features cultural performances, traditional dances, and the gathering of many local gods and deities from nearby villages. The main significance of this festival is the triumph of good over evil, and it has been declared an international event since 1972.
Embracing the spirit of Kullu Dussehra on this auspicious Rath Yatra day, where tradition and faith come alive. #KulluDussehra #HimachalPradesh pic.twitter.com/ZgnGUu0OjP
— BHAKTI (@bhakti_iii) October 26, 2023
Kullu Dussehra Festival Celebration
Kullu Dussehra 2025 is celebrated as a grand week-long festival that begins on Vijayadashmi, the tenth day of Navratri, usually in early October. The celebration centers around the procession of Lord Raghunath. It is accompanied by other deities, across Kullu town on beautifully decorated chariots (Rathas), starting at Sultanpur and culminating at Dhalpur Maidan.
The festival is marked by vibrant processions of 200 local gods and goddesses from nearby villages, all gathering at Dhalpur for collective worship. Throughout the week, the atmosphere is alive with traditional music, dance, and cultural performances, including the popular Nati dance, where men and women joyously participate.
The nights feature cultural events at Kala Kendra, with international and national artists showcasing folk arts. One of the key rituals is the sacrificial offering of a buffalo (Bali) to appease Goddess Hadimba, believed to protect the valley. The blood is offered to the goddess, and the meat is shared as prasad among attendees.
This festival concludes with a grand assembly of local deities and a massive bonfire symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
History Of Kullu Dussehra Festival
The legend of Durga Dutt and his curse on Raja Jagat Singh is central to the origins of Kullu Dussehra. Durga Dutt was a Brahmin from the village of Teepri in Kullu who was rumored to possess a bowl full of precious pearls. Raja Jagat Singh, the greedy king, ordered his soldiers to seize these pearls. Despite Durga Dutt’s protests that he had no pearls, his knowledge being his only treasure, the soldiers harassed him severely.
In despair, Durga Dutt locked himself and his family inside their home, set it on fire, and immolated themself. As he died, he cursed the king, saying, “Have the pearls, O King!” meaning that the king’s demand was futile, but he would now suffer greatly.
Following the curse, Raja Jagat Singh was tormented by guilt and hallucinations; he saw worms in his food and blood instead of water. Despite consultations with doctors, healers, and holy men, no remedy was found.
Finally, a saint named Krishan Dutt advised that only the blessings of Lord Rama could lift the curse. The king then sent a disciple, Damodar Dass, to Ayodhya to bring back an idol of Lord Raghunath (Rama), which was installed in Kullu.
This act ended the curse, and Raja Jagat Singh dedicated himself to Lord Raghunath, instituting the grand annual Dussehra festival to honor the deity and seek forgiveness for his sins. Kullu Dussehra 2025 will mark the 375th year of this festival.
How to Reach Kullu
If you wish to attend and experience the unique Kullu Dussehra 2025, here’s how you can reach the town
By Road: Kullu lies on National Highway NH-21 and is about 570 km from Delhi, 260 km from Shimla, and 70 km from Mandi. Frequent bus services run to and from major cities via Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private operators. Taxis are also available locally for flexible travel
By Air: The nearest airport is Kullu-Manali Airport at Bhuntar, about 10 km from Kullu and 50 km from Manali. It has regular flights to and from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla, making it the fastest way to reach Kullu from these cities.
By Rail: Kullu does not have a direct railway station.
International kullu Dussehra coming soon pic.twitter.com/edBrgeDvEu
— Amogh (@guyfromhills) October 9, 2024
Tips For Attending the Kullu Dussehra Festival 2025
- Plan early and book accommodation in Kullu well in advance, as the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and places fill quickly.
- Arrive a day or two before the festival starts to soak in the culture and explore local attractions.
- Attend the grand Rath Yatra on the first day, as it is the highlight.
- Visit the camps of various village deities throughout the week to get blessings and experience local traditions.
- Participate or observe the cultural programs and folk music at Kala Kendra held each night during the festival.
- Be prepared for crowded places and take care of your personal belongings.
- Dress comfortably and in layers as the weather in Kullu can be pleasant during the day but chilly at night in early October.
- Try local Himachali cuisine and shop for handicrafts around Dhalpur Maidan
- Respect local customs, rituals, and the sentiments of the devotees.
- Use public transport to avoid parking hassles during peak days.
- Don’t miss the final day when the idols return to their respective villages and the symbolic burning of Ravana’s effigy happens.
Summing Up
India is a country that is filled with numerous festivals and their unique traditions. One of them is Kullu Dussehra. A curse that laid the foundation of a unique festival that symbolizes repentance, renewal, and divine grace. So make sure if you get a chance to witness this festival, you do not miss it.
