Quick answer
Kullu Dussehra starts on Vijayadashami, the day the rest of India ends its Dussehra, and runs for seven days at Dhalpur Maidan in Kullu, usually in October. More than 200 village deities arrive in palanquins to honour Lord Raghunath, whose chariot is pulled across the ground on day one. Go for the first day and the last, and stay in Kullu or Manali.
Highlights
- Lord Raghunath's chariot pulled across Dhalpur Maidan on day one
- More than 200 village deities carried in on palanquins
- Horns, drums and folk dances around the deity camps
- Evening folk-festival performances and a week-long trade fair
- Lanka Dahan by the Beas on the final day
What makes Kullu Dussehra different
Most of India ends Dussehra on Vijayadashami. In Kullu, that is the day it begins. The festival dates to the 17th century, when Raja Jagat Singh installed an idol of Raghunath, a form of Ram, brought from Ayodhya, and made him the valley's presiding deity. Every year, village gods from across the Kullu valley are carried down in palanquins, with musicians playing long horns and drums, to pay their respects. More than 200 deities usually take part. There are no Ravana effigies here.
The week, day by day
- Day 1: Raghunath's chariot is pulled to Dhalpur Maidan in the afternoon, with the deities and the former royal family in procession. This is the day to be there.
- Days 2–6: the deities stay in camps around the maidan, each with its attendants, music and visitors. A trade fair runs all week, selling Kullu shawls, caps and local food such as siddu, and the evenings bring the folk-festival stage programme.
- Day 7: Lanka Dahan at the bank of the Beas, followed by Raghunath's return. The old animal sacrifices are now symbolic after a court order.
Where to stay and how early to book
Kullu hotels cost ₹2,000–5,000 a night in festival week, and Manali, 40 km away and about 1.5 hours by road, has far more choice at ₹3,000–6,000. A five-night Himachal trip starts at about ₹15,000 per person, land only. October also brings Puja-holiday crowds, so book four to six weeks ahead.
Crowds and getting there
Day one is packed, and the Kullu–Manali highway jams in the evening. Delhi to Kullu is about 500 km, 12–13 hours by overnight Volvo. Bhuntar airport, 10 km from Kullu, has limited, weather-dependent flights.
Photography, etiquette and what to wear
The deities are living presences to the villagers who carry them. Do not touch the palanquins or block their path, ask the attendants before close-ups, and take your shoes off near the camps. October days are around 25°C and nights drop to 7–9°C, so pack a warm jacket.
Combining it
Add Naggar Castle, Kasol and Manikaran, or the quieter Tirthan Valley. See the best time to visit Manali, where to stay in Manali, things to do in Manali and our October ideas.
Frequently asked questions
When does Kullu Dussehra start?
How is Kullu Dussehra different from Dussehra elsewhere?
Should I stay in Kullu or Manali for the festival?
How do I get to Kullu from Delhi?
How we checked this page
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
