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How is the Kullu Dussehra festival celebrated?
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Himachal Pradesh
The valley of the gods, Kullu Valley, central Himachal Pradesh, India.
In the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh, the Dussehra festival is celebrated uniquely, distinguishing it from the common practice of burning effigies of the demon king Ravana.12
Instead, the week-long fair centers on the following traditions:
- Processions of Deities: Locally worshipped temple gods are carried in processions to the town in covered palanquins, accompanied by bands of singers and dancers.12
- Presiding Deity: Lord Raghunath, a regional form of the Hindu deity Rama, is honored as the presiding deity of the festival.1
- Symbolic Conclusion: On the final day, rather than burning effigies, a bonfire of dry bushes is lit. This act symbolizes the burning of Lanka, an episode from the Ramayana where the deity Hanuman sets fire to the island with his tail.1
During these festivities, participants often wear vibrant traditional attire, including shawls from the Kinnaur district, embroidered handkerchiefs from Chamba, and distinctive woolen caps from Kullu.23