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In Kullu Dussehra commences on Vijaydashmi
by Rajiv Kimta

     Kullu (Himachal Pradesh): The Vijaydashmi festival, which was celebrated with fanfare on Wednesday, marks the beginning of seven-day long internationally famous Dussehra festival in Kullu. Its colourful and tradional celebrations has been a favourite occasion for the confluence of hundreds of tourists across India and from foreign. The cultural extravaganza during the Dussehra festival in Kullu is distinctive from the way it is usually celebrated in any other parts of the country. It is devoid of the traditional Ramlilas (carnival plays) or the burning of the effigies of demons-- Ravana, and his son Meghnath and brother Kumbhkaran, generally practiced all over the country. Colourful processions of devotees bearing gold and silver images of gods and goddesses move towards Kullu from all parts of the valley. The first day is marked by the homage paid to Lord Raghunath. The remaining nine days are marked by rituals, the graceful Natti dances, singing and other performances. Dussehra festivities at Kullu commence on the tenth day of the rising moon "Vijaya Dashmi" itself. On the first day, the idol of Raghunath is seated on a gaily attired chariot along with village Gods mounted in colourfuI palanquins. This is pulled from its fixed place in Dhalpur Maidan to another spot across the ground by big ropes. The pulling of ropes is regarded sacred by the local people, who form a huge procession behind it.

    Since it being declared an "International festival" in 1972, the Kullu Dussehra has gained great significance. It has assumed multilingual dimensions and cultural troupes from abroad perform during the festival. "It is very fascinating, the colourful presentation is really beautiful. It felt a wonderful opportunity to see another culture," said John Timber, an American tourist. Graser Erika, a tourist from Germany, said: "It is a very interesting day for us. We have never seen anything like this before. We have seen different people, it was very impressive for us." The history of Kullu Dussehra dates back to the 17th century when the local King Jaganand installed an idol of Raghunath or Lord Rama on his throne as a mark of penance. After this, Raghunath came to be known as the ruling deity of the Valley. All the Gods of the valley are believed to pay visit to the region during this time to offering homage to Raghunathji. All these seven days, the gods are invoked, and the festival concludes with the symbolic burning of Lanka, the kingdom of the demon king, Ravana. On the following days in the morning and the evening the gods (devtas) are invoked and paraded. Across India, Dussehra symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is marked by prayers, processions and musical programmes based on the epic Ramayana.
-Oct 13, 2005