Kullu Dussehra 2026 — The International Festival of Himachal
Kullu Dussehra 2026 — the unique week-long Himachal festival that begins on Vijayadashami, the Raghunath Rath Yatra, the deity assembly, and a visitor guide.
Kullu Dussehra 2026 — the unique week-long Himachal festival that begins on Vijayadashami, the Raghunath Rath Yatra, the deity assembly, and a visitor guide.
While most of India burns Ravana on Vijayadashami, the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh begins its week-long Dussehra precisely when others end theirs — a unique, deity-centred festival. This HinduTone guide is a guide to Kullu Dussehra 2026, the International Festival of Himachal.
Kullu Dussehra begins on Vijayadashami (20 October 2026) and continues for about seven days — there is no Ravana effigy burning here; the festival centres on the gathering of village deities.
What Makes Kullu Dussehra Unique
- It starts on Vijayadashami, when Dussehra ends elsewhere, and lasts about a week
- Hundreds of village devtas (deities) are carried in palanquins to Kullu to pay homage to Lord Raghunath (Rama)
- The grand Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath through Dhalpur Maidan opens the festival
- No Ravana Dahan — the focus is the assembly of deities and cultural festivities
The Tradition
Kullu Dussehra honours Lord Raghunathji, the presiding deity of the valley. The deities of surrounding villages travel to the Dhalpur ground for the festival, creating a spectacular convergence of palanquins, music and devotion that has earned it international fame.
Visitor Guide
- When: from Vijayadashami, 20 October 2026, for about a week
- Where: Dhalpur Maidan, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
- Highlights: the Raghunath Rath Yatra, the deity assembly, and cultural performances
- Tips: book accommodation early; enjoy the valley’s autumn beauty
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Kullu Dussehra 2026?
It begins on Vijayadashami, 20 October 2026, and continues for about seven days.
Why is there no Ravana burning at Kullu Dussehra?
Kullu Dussehra centres on the gathering of village deities to honour Lord Raghunath (Rama), rather than the effigy burning seen elsewhere.
Where is Kullu Dussehra held?
At Dhalpur Maidan in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.
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