Most of India celebrates Dussehra for a single day. In the Kullu valley, the festival is just beginning. Kullu Dussehra brings hundreds of village deities down from the hills, and it is one of the most colourful and unusual festivals in the Himalayas.
Dates for 2026
Kullu Dussehra starts on Vijayadashami, which falls on 20 October in 2026, and runs for about a week. Exact programme details are announced locally by the district administration, so confirm the schedule closer to the date before you book travel.
What is special about it?
The festival is centred on Lord Raghunath, whose idol is believed to have been brought to Kullu in the 17th century during the reign of Raja Jagat Singh. On the first day, the idol is placed on a decorated chariot and pulled by devotees across the Dhalpur Maidan in Kullu. Villagers arrive from across the valley carrying palanquins of their local deities, and hundreds of them gather at the ground over the week. The festival was given international status in the early 1970s.
What you will see
- The chariot procession on the opening day, with drums, horns and folk dancers.
- Deity palanquins from villages across the valley, all gathered together in one place.
- Evening cultural programmes, a local craft and food market, and dance troupes.
- A ritual closing on the last day, with a symbolic bonfire.
Getting there from Naggar
Dhalpur Maidan is in Kullu town, about 22 km from Naggar, roughly an hour by road, though festival traffic can add time. Buses run from Patlikuhl and Naggar, or you can hire a taxi for the day. Leave early on the opening day, and consider parking outside the centre and walking in.
Practical tips
- Book accommodation well in advance; rooms in the valley fill up quickly during Dussehra week.
- Carry warm layers for the evenings, as October nights in Kullu are cool.
- Keep valuables safe and carry some cash for market stalls.
- Be respectful near the deities: follow local guidance on photography and keep a clear path for palanquins.
Why stay in Naggar?
Kullu town gets crowded during the festival. Staying in Naggar gives you a calmer base, with the castle, temples and orchards on your doorstep and Kullu a short drive away. If you're looking for a base in Naggar, Ghar in the Hills is a cozy homestay right in the village — book your stay to wake up to valley views.
Plan ahead, arrive early and go with an open mind. Kullu Dussehra is not a spectacle staged for visitors; it is a living tradition, and being there is a privilege.