The International Kullu Dussehra, a symbol of Himachal Pradesh’s rich folk culture and unique dev traditions, will conclude today with the traditional ritual of Lanka Dahan in Kullu district. The seven-day festival will come to an end in the presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who will be the chief guest at the closing ceremony.

 

According to dev traditions, Lord Raghunath Ji will be taken from his temporary camp in a chariot this afternoon for the Lanka Dahan ritual. Thereafter, Lord Raghunath Ji will be carried in a palanquin back to his temple at Sultanpur. As per age-old traditions and religious customs, the completion of the chariot procession marks the formal conclusion of Kullu Dussehra, following which the deities who arrived from different parts of the district return to their respective temples.

 

This year, around 300 deities participated in the Dussehra festival. The Global Dance Show, laser show and drone show depicting episodes from the Ramayana were among the major attractions of the celebrations. In addition, performances by national, international and local artists have been entertaining thousands of spectators.

 

The final cultural evening of the International Kullu Dussehra festival today will be dedicated to Himachali folk artists.