The International Kullu Dussehra is the most popular festivals in India .It celebrates the victory of Good over evil. The International Kullu Dussehra is a one week long festival, which held in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. In this year The International Kullu Dussehra is coming soon in the month of October. It will start from Wednesday, 21 Oct, 2026 and will end Tuesday, 27 October, 2026. It will last for 7 days in Kullu. Dusshera is also known as ” Vijaya Dashami ” because of the victory of ‘Lord Rama’ over ‘Ravan’

The Origin of Kullu Dussehra – How It Started & The History Behind It

A long period ago, Raja Jagat Singh ruled Kullu in the 17th century. One day, the king “Raja Jagat Singh ” heard about a poor Brahmin named ‘Durga Dutt’ who owned a bowl of pearls. The king ordered his men and sent them to take a bowl of pearls, but the Brahmin ‘Durga Dutt’ did not have any pearls. The Brahmin was unable to bear this tourture, and ended himself and his whole family their lives, cursing the king with their last words.

After this, The Spirits of the Bharmin family starts haunting the king. The king began to see worms in his food and blood in his water, and was unable to eat anything. The king was filled with guilt. Then the king starts to find the cure to became out of this. Many hakims, vaids, doctors and religious person’s saints etc but was unable to cure the king. But at the end the saint named ‘Krishan Dutt’ told the king that only the blessings of Lord Rama could free him from this curse.

The king sent a enthusiast named Damodar Dass to Ayodhya, to get the stautue of Lord Raghunath Ji. Then the Damodar Dass stole the stautue of Lord Raghunath Ji, Later the stautue was installed in Kullu with proper rituals. After installing the deity of Raghunath, Raja Jagat Singh drank the Charan-Amrit of the deity and the curse was lifted. And from that time, Raja Jagat Singh considered Lord Raghunath Ji the Diety of Kullu. He himself became the caretaker, known as Chharibardar.

The king also ordered that during the time of Vijaya Dashami, all the local gods and goddesses of Kullu V alley should gather to honor Lord Raghunath Ji. This marked the beginning of the famous Kullu Dussehra Festival, The International kullu Dusshera which continues in the same tradition even today in the Dhalpur Maidan in the Kullu Valley.

Kullu Dussehra 2026 Dates: When and Where Is It Happening?

Kullu Dussehra will start from Wednesday, 21 Oct, 2026 and will end on Tuesday, 27 October, 2026.. It will last for 7 days in the Dhalpur Maidan in the Kullu Valley .

Kullu Dussehra: The Himalayan Festival That Went Global

Kullu Dussehra was once a local religious festival celebrated with great devotion. In 1972, it gained international recognition and became known as an International Festival. Today, people from different parts of India and other countries visit Kullu to enjoy its grand Rath Yatra, traditional Nati dance, colourful processions, and the gathering of local deities. The festival reflects the rich culture and traditions of Himachal Pradesh.

Why Is Kullu Dussehra Celebrated a Week Later Than the Rest of India?

Kullu Dussehra is a one week-long festival that starts on ‘Vijayadashmi‘ and continues for seven days. It Celebrated a Week Later Than the Rest of India because of its unique aspect, it is focused on a local rath yatra of the Lord Raghunathji and the gathering of deities from the entire Kullu Valley. The tradition starts from the 17th century when the king of Kullu ‘Raja Jagat Singh’ placed the statue of Lord Raghunath jias the ruling deity of the valley.

What Makes the International Kullu Dussehra Festival World-Famous?

The International Kullu Dussehra Festival is World-Famous for its unique tradition, where hundreds of local deities gathered together in the honour of Lord Raghunath Ji. It is a “Divine Assembly” of gods and goddesses from the entire Kullu valley.

Which Countries Participate in the International Kullu Dussehra?

20+ countries (from worldwide) Participate in the International Kullu Dussehra .The Government of Himachal Pradesh, with support from the Ministry of External Affairs, invites international cultural troupes (7–10 members) and 4 artisans/crafts persons from foreign countries to participate in the International Kullu Dussehra Festival — a vibrant celebration of tradition, spirituality, and global cultural exchange.

Top Attractions You Can’t Miss at Kullu Dussehra 2026

The top attractions during the Kullu Dussehra festival is the Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath Ji wherer where all dities walk together with Lord Raghunath Ji. And other activities like witnessing the cultural performances, visiting the camps of the dities, and exploring local temples like the Raghunath Temple and the Bijli Mahadev Temple.

How Did Kullu Dussehra Become an International Festival?

Kullu Dussehra became an international festival in 1972 when the government of Himachal Pradesh officially anounced it as a International festival, because of it’s unique tradition, where the all god and goddeses of the entire kullu valley gathered together in the hounour of Lord Rahghunath Ji,and the Rath Yatra which involves the participation of over 300 deities from the Kullu Valley, and it growing popularity among national and international tourists.

Kullu Valley Travel Guide: How to Reach the Festival in 2026

To reach the Kullu Dussehra festival,Take a Light to (Kullu-Manali Airport) Bhuntar airport, then can take a local bus or taxi to reach Kullu from Bhuntar which is 10 kilometer. from other countries you have to take a flight to delhi, then have or take a bus from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla to the well-connected Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Can visit more destination near Kullu like JIbhi, Kasol, etc.

Where to Stay During Kullu Dussehra – Hotels, Homestays & Resorts

There are lots of hotels and accommodations in kullu valley or near Dhalpur Maidan which you can choose according to your preference. It is beeter to prebook if you are going there to see the Kullu Dusshera, at this time the place get crowded and difficult to find any Hotels, Homestays & Resorts..

Food, Handicrafts, and Shopping at Kullu Dussehra 2026

You can shop the local handicrafts or handmade items like Kullu shawls, woolens, and wooden items. Can try local dishes on the food stalls and markets. You will find a lare number of shops where the shopkeeper came from the difrent districts can see the art and the products of difrent districts. The celebration offers a wide array of handmade goods, including jewelry, metal crafts, and herbal products, fashanable clothes, evrything you see in any other fest.

Cultural Performances and Global Events at Kullu Dussehra 2026

The International Kullu Dussehra is not only a religious meetup of the dieties, but also a stage for cultural exchange. The cultural parade on 8th October, where the artists from different countries, Indian states, and students will present tableaux, dances, and traditional performance, Local musicians and dancers will also showcase their rich heritage. Along with the divine Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath ji. The visitors can enjoy exhibitions, sports, and cultural shows. Artists, cultural troupes, and artisans can participate in Kullu Dussehra 2026 by applying through the Embassy of India in their respective countries.

International Kullu Dussehra 2026: A Festival That Unites the World

The International Kullu Dussehra festival in 2026 will start from October 21st to October 27th at the Dhalpur ground in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. A week long fest which represent deities, culture, and international participation. The International Kullu Dussehra starts a week later than after the main Dussehra festival. And features a Religious gathering of deities from across the Kullu valley, cultural performances by artists from various countries and states, and attractive tableaux displayed by local students.

Kullu Dussehra: A Unique Tradition of Ravana Dahan

Kullu Dussehra is different from Dussehra celebrations in many other parts of India. One interesting local practice is the making of small Ravana figures using cow dung instead of large effigies.

The figures are shaped by hand, given a mask-like face, and painted with colours. They are then burned during the final days of the celebration. This practice reflects the creativity of the local people and their connection to traditional customs.

Kullu Dussehra also has a special closing ceremony known as Lanka Dahan. Unlike the usual Ravana Dahan seen in many parts of India, Kullu follows its own traditions. During the final ceremony, bushes are burned to symbolise the burning of Lanka, the kingdom of Ravana.

These unique customs make Kullu Dussehra special. They offer a glimpse into the beliefs, traditions, and cultural heritage of the Kullu Valley. The festival reminds us that the same celebration can have different meanings and customs in different parts of India.

Tips for First-Time Visitors to Kullu Dussehra Festival

Book Early – Hotels and buses fill up quickly, so plan your trip in advance.
Getting There – The nearest airport is Bhuntar (10 km away). You can also take a bus or taxi from Delhi, Chandigarh, or Shimla.
Be Ready for Crowds – The Rath Yatra and the cultural parade on October 8 attract huge gatherings.
Don’t Miss – Traditional folk dances, music, exhibitions, and the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath Ji.
Shop & Taste – Explore local stalls for Kullu shawls, handicrafts, and delicious Himachali food.
Pack Warm Clothes – October evenings in Kullu can be quite chilly.
Respect Traditions – The festival has deep religious value, so observe rituals respectfully.