International Kullu Dasehra

The International Kullu Dasehra is an distinctive seven-day traditional festival taking place from October 21 to 27, 2026, in Kullu, India. It stands apart from conventional Dasehra celebrations as local gods and goddesses are formally invited, hosted, and honored as guests. This year, the festival anticipates hosting 347 deities, including 15 new ones, drawing lakhs of devotees and tourists from both India and abroad.

The festival's highlight is a grand procession on the first day, led by Lord Raghunath. He is seated in a 'rath' (wooden chariot), which devotees pull from the northern end to the center of Dhalpur Maidan, where Lord Raghunath's camp temple is located. Hundreds of other deities, some traveling nearly 200 km, accompany the procession in their palanquins to pay obeisance to Lord Raghunath. The festival committee arranges accommodation, 'nazrana', and other facilities for the participating deities, with their camp temple sites fixed in advance.

Beyond its religious significance, Kullu Dasehra serves as a major cultural attraction and an economic driver for the region. The event also features the International Folk Dance Festival and other cultural programmes held at the Kala Kendra. Traders from both within and outside the state set up temporary stalls at Dhalpur Maidan, generating significant business during the festivities. The origins of Kullu Dasehra date back to 1660.