International Kullu Dussehra Captivates Visitors From Abroad

When you think of Dusseva — the Indian festival that marks the triumph of good over evil — you might picture a few fireworks and a burnt effigy of Ravana. In Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, the celebration expands into a sprawling, multicultural spectacle that even strangers from halfway across the globe can’t help but join.

Last weekend, a small but enthusiastic group of foreign tourists arrived in the valley, their cameras ready and their curiosity bubbling. "We’re here for the International Kullu Dussehra," said Kennedy, a visitor from the United States, eyes wide as he watched a procession of deities sway through the streets. "The markets are bright, the dancing is amazing, and there’s an energy that just pulls you in. It feels like a party and a pilgrimage rolled into one."

These processions are the heart of the event. The priest Jitendra Sharma, who looks after the shrine of Shringa Rishi Maharaj, explained that the deity’s idol traveled from Dhalpur, accompanied by a retinue of 18 kardu (traditional bearers). Along the way, other deities made cameo appearances, turning the journey into a moving tableau of myth and devotion.

Beyond the visual feast, organizers took safety seriously. Superintendent of Police Abhishek Sengar disclosed that a total of 1,265 uniformed personnel – 1,125 police officers and 140 home guards – were deployed across six zones. Eight senior officers, all holding the rank of Deputy Superintendent, oversaw the entire operation, making sure the crowds could revel without fear.

Of course, the festival’s religious core was never far away. Vijayadashami, the final day of Navratri, commemorates Lord Shri Ram’s victory over the demon king Ravana. In Kullu, that story is retold through vibrant dances, folk songs and the burning of towering Ravana effigies that light up the night sky.

For the visitors, the experience was more than a photo‑op. It was a glimpse into a living tradition that blends ancient rites with a modern, tourist‑friendly vibe. As Kennedy summed it up, "It’s super fun to be part of something that feels both timeless and totally alive today."

With the hills echoing with drums and the streets awash in colour, Kullu’s International Dussehra proved once again why it’s fast becoming a must‑see on the cultural‑tourism map.