While the rest of the world celebrates Dussehra by burning effigies of Ravana, Kullu in Himachal celebrates it in a very unique way. This town in Himachal Pradesh celebrates Kullu Dussehra with festivities beginning on Vijaydashami and lasting for seven days. This week-long festival is known for its grand celebrations, which include the procession of various deities. It is a well-known festival among people in India and abroad, so here’s everything you must know about Kullu Dussehra in 2026.
All About Kullu Dussehra Himachal Pradesh
Kullu Dussehra was declared an international event in 1972 and is internationally known as the “Assembly of the Gods.” It is a mega-festival that brings about 200 local village deities together. These “devtas” come down from remote Himalayan valleys on beautiful flower-bedecked palanquins or raths. They come together to pay homage to the presiding deity of the Kullu region, Lord Raghunath (Lord Rama).
The festival is known to attract thousands of visitors to the town from abroad and across India. It features a gathering of local gods and deities from nearby villages, traditional dances, and cultural performances. The significance of this festival is the celebration of the triumph of good over evil.
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Kullu Dussehra 2026 Dates
Kullu Dussehra 2026 will begin on October 20, Tuesday (on Vijayadashami). It will run for seven days and conclude on October 26, Monday. The first day is also known as the Rath Yatra day, and the last day is when the Lanka Dahan ritual takes place. From October 21 to October 25, the town celebrates with a cultural fair and other rituals.
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Kullu Dussehra Celebration
The main venue for Kullu Dussehra celebrations is the Dhalpur Maidan (Dhalpur Ground). It is located right in the heart of Kullu Town in Himachal Pradesh.
1. Dhalpur Ground
Dhalpur Ground is a massive, open-air meadow that is divided into lower and upper sections. They are known as Upper Dhalpur Ground and Lower Dhalpur Ground. These sections host traditional trade fairs, primary chariot-pulling rituals, deity encampments, and state exhibitions. This spot serves all the unique social, spiritual, and commercial roles for the seven days.
2. Raghunathji Temple
This Raghunathji Temple is located in Sultanpur, which is roughly 1.5 kilometers from the Dhalpur Maidan. It is a historic royal temple where the principal idol of Lord Raghunath begins its journey to reach the festival ground. It was built in the 17th century by Raja Jagat Singh and houses an idol of Lord Raghunath from Ayodhya. The festival officially begins here with private royal rituals and ancestral prayers taking place inside the Sultanpur palace and temple. The sacred idol is brought out and placed in a palanquin and taken to the Dhalpur Ground. After the Dahan, the idol is carried back to Sultanpur.
3. Beas Riverbank
The Beas riverbank is located right near the southern tip of Dhalpur Maidan. The valley narrows near the roaring waters of the Beas River. This is the exact place where the closing rituals take place on the seventh day. Unlike other places, Kullu does not use effigies and instead uses a dense pile of dry grass, sacred wood, and wild shrubs, which is set on fire near the riverbank. This pile represents the mythical demon fortress of Lanka. Here, traditional symbolic sacrifices are performed to appease the local spirits and purify the valley.
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Tips For Attending The Kullu Dussehra Dhalpur
Plan early and book accommodations in Kullu well in advance. This is because the festival is a famous one and attracts thousands of visitors, so places fill up quickly.
Make sure you arrive at least one or two days before the festival starts. This will help you soak up the culture.
Do not miss out on the grand Rath Yatra, which takes place on the very first day.
Observe the folk music and cultural programs at Kala Kendra, which are held every night during the festival.
Take care of your belongings and be prepared for crowded places.
Dress comfortably and in layers, as the weather in Kullu can get chilly during the month of October.
Make sure you respect the rituals, local customs, and the sentiments of the devotees.
To avoid parking hassles on the festival days, try to use public transport.
Do not miss out on the final day when the idols return to their villages.
Also Read: From Mysuru to Kullu: Where To Experience The Best Dussehra Festivities
Note: This article was compiled after verifying current publicly available business information.
Summing Up
Kullu Dussehra is a vibrant celebration of royal history, faith, and mountain culture. It offers a unique glimpse into Himachal’s living traditions with hundreds of palanquins descending from alpine villages to Dhalpur Maidan.
