HIMACHAL’S DIVINE CONFLUENCE: LORD RAGHUNATH’S RATH ROLLS OUT AT DHALPUR, KICKING OFF HISTORIC KULLU DUSSEHRA
KULLU: Amid the thunderous roar of traditional drums, the resonant notes of shehnais, and the echoing blasts of narsinghas (curving Himalayan trumpets), the ancient wooden chariot (Rath) of Lord Raghunath rolled out across the historic Dhalpur Maidan today. Accompanied by dozens of local devtas (deities) converging from the farthest corners of the erstwhile Rupi kingdom of Kullu, the grand Rath Yatra officially kicked off the week-long International Kullu Dussehra festival.
Thousands of spectators, pilgrims, and haris (devotees attached to specific deities) from across the district packed the sprawling grounds, pulling the sacred ropes of the chariot while bearing the richly adorned palanquins (palkis) of village deities. As chants of "Jai Lord Raghunath" echoed through the valley, the spectacle reaffirmed a centuries-old collective faith in the presiding deity of Kullu—an incarnation of Lord Rama—who sits accompanied by Lord Lakshman and other revered mythological symbols from the epic lore.
Present to witness the ceremonial commencement was the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Kavinder Gupta. Leading the traditional rituals was the scion of the erstwhile royal family of the Rupi kingdom of Kullu, Maheshwar Singh, who participated in the Raghunath Yatra as the chief Kardar (caretaker) of Lord Raghunath, accompanied by his sons and other members of the royal family.
A Living Tradition of Faith, Kinship, and Ritual
During today's opening procession, devotees pulled the giant chariot from one corner of Dhalpur Maidan to its temporary abode at the central Dussehra ground, where Lord Raghunath and the assembled council of hundreds of hill deities will camp for the next seven days.
Prominent among the divine assembly is Devi Hidimba from Manali, revered as the ancestral patron and divine relative of Lord Raghunath and the Kullu royal family, who has also set up camp at the Maidan. Together, the deities and their haris turn the ground into a vibrant spiritual court.
The week-long festivities will culminate on the seventh day with the Lanka Dahan ceremony, during which the traditional Ashtang Bali (eight-fold ritual sacrifice) is performed at the corner of Dhalpur Maidan to ward off evil, propitiate the gods, and celebrate the triumph of righteousness. Following the culmination of the ceremony, all the assembled devtas and devotees take back the sacred prasad of the Lanka Dahan to their respective villages before departing.
Winter Trade and Global Cultural Fusion
Beyond its deep spiritual roots, Kullu Dussehra serves as the economic and social lifeline of the valley ahead of the harsh Himalayan winter. Following the religious procession, the entire Dhalpur Maidan swelled with bustling stalls showcasing traditional handlooms, handicrafts, local market produce, fresh and dry fruits, and agricultural implements—allowing local mountain communities to stock up on essential supplies for the coming winter months.
Adding a distinct international flair to this year’s heritage festival, the Kullu Dussehra Committee is hosting a first-of-its-kind live global fusion dance festival.
Over the coming days, visitors will be entertained by a galaxy of local folk artists performing alongside international cultural troupes from 17 countries, creating a unique cultural fusion worth witnessing.
