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Kullu Dussehra is as festive and grand as it can get anywhere in India. Kullu is a beautifully imagined valley formed by the Beas river between Manali and Largi in the state of Himachal Pradesh. With Pine trees towering tall, rocky hills at every corner, sprawling apple orchards, gushing waters of Beas, Kullu is a dream come true.
Now
Kullu Valley is also known as the "valley of Gods" or "dev bhumi". The Dussehra celebrations here are internationally renowned. Tourists from all over swarm the valley to witness one of India's most vigorous and colourful festivals. It is a celebration in remembrance of the victory of Lord Rama over King Ravana; the victory of good over evil.
The celebrations start with the rising moon on the tenth day of Dussehra, the day of victory according to Hindu calendar known as Vijayadashmi. The festivities go on uninterrupted for seven long days. There will be performances and ceremonious processions held. With loud orchestra and music that is unique to the region in addition to the colourful flowers and people, the main procession is a sensual delight.
Then
The beginning of Kullu Dussehra has an interesting story behind it. Raja Jagath Singh was the ruler of the 16th century prosperous kingdom of Kullu. Paying heed to chirpy word-of-mouth, the King forced a peasant named Durgadatta to handover his treasured pearls. But it is said that Durgadatta was in possession of the pearls of knowledge and not that of the material world. The story of arrogance ended with the hanging of poor Durgadatta. Following which the King was cursed. In order to redeem himself of the terrible curse, he sent a loyal subject to fetch the idol of Lord Raghunath from Ayodhya - the land of Lord Rama. At the arrival of the idol, arrangements were made for it be placed in Kullu which lifted the King's curse and brought joy to the kingdom.
Come Vijayadashmi, the idol of Lord Raghunath is taken on a ratha yatra (chariot tour). Large crowds gather to sing praise of the Lord. The joy of yesterday was meant to be spread among generations to come and thus Kullu Dussehra took birth. The pomp and splendour increased with day and is now a spectacular gala for the world to watch with open-eyes!
