KULLU DUSSEHRA

About:

• Kullu, the “Valley of Gods”, also known as “Kulanthapitha” is located in Himachal Pradesh.
  
  
• The valley is also renowned for its grand Dussehra celebrations. Kullu Dussehra was declared an international event in 1972 and is witnessed by around 4-5 Lac people from across the globe.
  
  
• Its origins can be traced back to the regime of Raja Jagat Singh in 17^th
  
  

Key events:

• On the first day of the festival, the idol of Raghunathji is placed on a chariot and taken through the Dhalpur Maidan.
  
  
• The subsequent days see cultural events, including song and dance performances by local and international artists
  
  
• The 7-day festival ends with the “symbolic Lanka Dahan” by burning a heap of grass on fire beside the Beas River and the return of Raghunathji to its abode at Sultanpur temple.
  
  

Comparison with other Dussehra celebrations:

• Similarity: Like other Dussehra celebrations, this is also a festival of a triumph of good over evil.
  
  
• Difference: