Each year, the peaceful Kullu Valley bursts into color and celebration during Kullu Dussehra one of India’s most unique festivals. While most regions mark the festival with the burning of effigies to symbolize the victory of good over evil, Kullu Dussehra is a week-long celebration of deities, folk traditions, and cultural exchange. It’s a unique confluence of devotion, vibrant local arts, and international performances that draw people from across the world to witness its grandeur.
This is a festival where the divine meets the earthly, and ancient traditions are proudly showcased alongside global performances, making Kullu Dussehra a feast for the eyes and soul.
A Divine Gathering: The Devta Procession
The heartbeat of Kullu Dussehra lies in the grand procession of Devtas—local deities carried from various villages across the Kullu Valley. Every village has its own deity, revered and worshipped by the local communities. During Dussehra, over 200 of these Devtas, each with their palanquins decorated in vibrant colors and intricate ornaments, descend into Dhalpur Maidan, the central hub of the festival.
The presiding deity of the festival is Lord Raghunath (an incarnation of Lord Rama), whose idol leads the festivities in a majestic procession. According to local legend, Kullu Dussehra began in the 17th century when Raja Jagat Singh brought the idol of Lord Raghunath to Kullu, and ever since, it has been a tradition for all the village deities to converge and pay their respects to him.
The sight of these deities arriving in elaborate processions is breathtaking. Accompanied by traditional music and chants, the Devta processions are a testament to the valley’s deeply spiritual roots and the sense of unity that binds the region together. It’s a moving experience, watching the local communities come together in reverence for their ancient deities, keeping centuries-old traditions alive.
The Music of Tradition: Local Instruments That Set the Tone
The melodies and rhythms of traditional Himachali instruments infuse the air with a sense of energy and devotion during Kullu Dussehra. These instruments, passed down through generations, are an inseparable part of the festival, setting the tone for both ritualistic events and folk performances.
Narsingha: A long, curved brass trumpet, the Narsingha's booming sound is symbolic of the grandeur of the Devta processions. Its deep tones echo through the valley, announcing the arrival of the gods.
Dhol and Nagada: These are the heartbeat of the festival. The Dhol (a double-sided drum) and Nagada (a large kettledrum) create powerful, rhythmic beats that not only lead processions but also drive the folk dances performed during the week-long celebration.
Shehnai: The Shehnai, a wind instrument, adds a melodious and festive touch to the celebrations. Its distinctive sound accompanies the dancers and musicians, providing a soft, celebratory backdrop to the festivities.
Karnal: A ceremonial trumpet, the Karnal is often played during significant processions, like the grand Rath Yatra (chariot procession) of Lord Raghunath, lending a royal atmosphere to the proceedings.
The combination of these instruments fills the air with rhythm and melody, energizing the crowd and maintaining the festive spirit throughout.
Folk Dances: The Soulful Expression of Kullu
Folk traditions come alive at Kullu Dussehra through dance. The rhythms of the drums, combined with the graceful movements of dancers, are a defining feature of the festival. The valley’s rich cultural heritage is showcased through various folk dances, but the most famous of them all is the Nati.
Nati Dance: A group dance performed by both men and women, Nati is a slow, synchronized dance where participants move gracefully in circles or lines, linking arms and stepping in time to the beat of the Dhol. Kulluvi Nati, a variation of this dance, holds the distinction of being the world’s largest folk dance. Hundreds of participants take part in this mesmerizing performance, all dressed in traditional Himachali attire, creating a vibrant spectacle of movement and color.
Chham Dance: Another fascinating performance at Kullu Dussehra is the Chham Dance, where masked dancers portray mythological characters, enacting stories of gods, demons, and cosmic battles. The dance is dramatic, visually striking, and deeply connected to the religious and cultural narratives of the region.
These folk dances, rich with tradition, are an embodiment of the Himachali way of life and serve as a bridge between past and present, keeping the ancient stories and customs alive for new generations.
Folk Traditions and Crafts: A Cultural Showcase
Kullu Dussehra is not only a religious celebration but also a platform for local artisans and craftspeople to display their talent. The Dhalpur Maidan becomes a bustling fairground where stalls offer a variety of handmade goods—Kullu shawls, woolen garments, traditional jewelry, and local food specialties. These crafts are made using ancient techniques, passed down through generations, and buying these products supports the local economy while preserving heritage crafts.
Another integral part of the festival is the performance of folk songs, sung in the local dialect. These songs narrate stories of the region, celebrate life in the valley, and praise the Devtas. Elderly women often lead the singing, passing down the music to younger generations, ensuring that this oral tradition continues.
A Global Stage: International Performances Add a New Dimension
In recent years, Kullu Dussehra has taken on an international flavor. In 2016, the festival was declared an International Festival, and it now attracts performers from across the world. Artists and cultural troupes from Russia, Indonesia, Nepal, and other countries come to Kullu to showcase their talents alongside the local Himachali performers.
This fusion of global and local performances adds a fascinating layer to the festival. You might watch a traditional Himachali Nati dance followed by an energetic Russian folk performance, or see musical collaborations that blend instruments and traditions from different parts of the world.
These international performances not only highlight the global appeal of Kullu Dussehra but also foster a spirit of cultural exchange, making it a truly unique experience for visitors.
A Celebration of Unity and Tradition
Kullu Dussehra is much more than a festival; it’s a living, breathing representation of Kullu’s spiritual, cultural, and social heritage. From the divine presence of the Devtas to the mesmerizing sound of local instruments, from the graceful movements of Nati to the vibrant international performances, this festival is a beautiful blend of the old and the new.
For the people of Kullu, it’s a time of devotion and community. For visitors, it’s an opportunity to witness and immerse themselves in one of India’s most unique and colorful festivals. If you ever find yourself in the Kullu Valley during October, Kullu Dussehra is an experience you won't want to miss—it’s a celebration that will stay with you long after the week-long festivities come to an end.
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