KULLU DUSSEHRA: A SPECTACULAR ASSEMBLY OF HIMALYAN GODS
by K.L. Noatay
(OCR- machine typing –e&oe)

Kulllu with an
altitudte of 1224 m, has a pleasant whether during October. i.e. Dussehra days.
ln case of unexpected rain, hail or snow the area may become quite cold and the
visitors should, therefore better come with adequate winter garments. Dussehra
an important lndian festivel symbolizes the return of Shri Ram, to Ayodhya, on
completion of his 14 years of exile after vanquishing Ravana, the demon king of
Lanka. The Dussehra of Kullu has an interesting folklore.
During 17th century, Raghuvanshi Rajputs, reverently called 'Thakurs',
ruled Kullu. One of their scions, named Jagat Singh, ascended the throne in
1637 A.D. A brave and kind young Jagat, .got misinformed by someone that a particular
brahmin among the subjects Possessed certain valuable pearls. He ordered the
Brahmin io deposit the valuable pearls in the treasury. To escape his wrath the
poor man committed self- immolation along with all members of his family.
Leaving a curse on Jagat Sinqh who fell seriously ill. A minister named Kishan
Dass advised him to obtain the ancient idols of Shri Ram and Sita from Ayodhya,
install them in his royal palace and worship.
Jagat Singh acted
accordinglY and installed the idols obtained the idols from Ayodhya and installed
in his palace. The event coincided with
the Dussehra day. The Raja, further bequeathed the governance of the kingdom to
Shri Ram, the idol, and declared it as the governing deity of the State giving it the title, 'Raghunathji' or
'Thakur'. The Palace became 'Raghunath Mandir' and the roYal word "Raghunath
Pur". Further, the king himself become the 'Pujari', or the caretaker
Priest of the deity, so established. The above Penance rejuvenated Jagat
Sirgh's health as well as morale. On hearing the above development all the
local PeoPle carrying their respective village deities converged to
'RaghunathPur to PaY obeisance to 'Raghunathji', the new Thakur or Raja.
Gradually this became a regular ritual and called "Kullu Dussehra'.

fabrics, utencils, cosmetics etc., modern luxury items
brought by traders from the plains. The people of Lahaul & Spiti and Ladakh
also came to the fair in large numbers to avail of the festival. ln olden days
traders from Tibet, China, Yarkand, Kandhar etc. too used (o come to the fair,
bringing pashmina wool, gold and golden ornaments, precious pearls and stones
and barter these for salt, rice, tea etc. On the lastday of the celebration; the Raghunathji's Rath is pulled
by the devotees further fown - to a point closest to the right bank of river Beas.
Here dry grass and brushwood are burnt in the same way as in the plains, to
mark the end of evils like the ' one committed by Ravana. Simultaneously one
buffalo, one goat, one pig, one crab, one chicken and one fish are slaughtered
for sacrifice. Thereafter, the 'Rath' is pulled back to its permanent parking
spot and the village dieties pay their closing homage to 'Raghunathji' - before
His retreat to RaghunathMandir. And, then, the village deities and villagers
too disperse - slowly and jubilanfly. A word about the people. The ' Kulwis'
are self-respecting graceful folks. They are respectful, even affectionate -
towards well-meaning outsiders, but tough towards those who take undue
liberties. Same is true about the police as well. The Govt. of H.P. . makes elaborate
arrangements for the transport, accommodation and entertainment of the visitors
coming to witness the Kullu Dussehra. The requirement is met by the large
number of hotels, motels and guest houses recently raised in the valley in
addition to the old rest houses and circuit horses.
by K.L. Noatay
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