Unique Dussehra of Kullu Himachal Pradesh: Dussehra is celebrated without burning Ravan, know why it is special! (कुल्लू हिमाचल प्रदेश का अनोखा दशहरा: बिना रावण दहन के मनाया जाता है दशहरा, जानें क्यों है खास!)

When Dussehra ends across the country, a unique Dussehra begins in Kullu. In this Dussehra, neither Ravan is burnt nor the stories related to him are told to the people. Here Dussehra is a colorful program which starts from Dashami Tithi and continues for the next 7 days. This year it will be organized from 24th October for the next 7 days.History of Dussehra of Kullu
It is said that during 1650, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu suffered from a serious illness. In such a situation, a Baba Payahari told him that he would be treated by bringing the idol of Lord Raghunath from Tretanath temple in Ayodhya and would be treated with his Charanamrit only. After many struggles, the idol of Raghunath ji was installed in Kullu and Raja Jagat Singh invited all the gods and goddesses here, who accepted Lord Raghunath ji as the greatest deity. From then onwards the Dussehra festival symbolizing the union of Gods started and since then this event is held here every year.

How is Dussehra celebrated in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh?
The grand celebration of Dussehra of Kullu takes place in the grounds of Dholpur and it starts on the tenth day of the rising moon and continues for 7 days. It is believed that this Dussehra started in the 16th century and was first celebrated in 1662. On the first day of this Dussehra, the Goddess of Dussehra and Hidimba of Manali come to Kullu. During this time all the members of the royal family come to seek blessings of the Gods and Goddesses.

There is a folk tale that the gods themselves come to earth to see this. The local people here dance to the tune of drums and pull their chariots and this interesting sight is seen by the whole world. This event of Dussehra is seen to be linked to the culture and faith of Himachal Pradesh.