Kullu Dussehra 2026: Dates, Rath Yatra Guide and Taxi Booking from Chandigarh and Delhi

Most places in India wrap up Dussehra by burning a big Ravana figure. But up in Kullu Valley, the festival actually starts then and goes on for a whole week. No giant straw men here. Over 200 village gods show up on wooden palanquins, drums bang by the Beas river, and Dhalpur Maidan turns into a huge meet-up for deities.

This guide has the 2026 dates, what traditions to check out, and the simplest way to drive to Kullu. CabBazar offers both one-way and round-trip cab bookings.

Kullu Dussehra 2026 Dates and Venue

Kullu Dussehra in 2026 runs the week of October 20th to October 26th. It kicks off on Vijayadashami and goes for seven days. The spot is Dhalpur Maidan, a big open field on the left side of the Beas, right in the middle of Kullu town. The town itself is about 1,200 meters up, some 40 km south of Manali and just about 10 km from the Bhuntar airport.

The Story Behind Kullu Dussehra and Lord Raghunath

This festival goes way back to the 17th century. Raja Jagat Singh, who was running Kullu back then, brought an idol of Lord Raghunath, who is Rama, all the way from Ayodhya. He put it on his throne and basically ruled the land as the deity's assistant.

All the local gods were invited to come and show him respect. That invitation became this yearly get-together that still works the same way. Kullu Dussehra was actually made an international festival back in 1972. Now, crowds in the hundreds of thousands show up, but the rituals themselves are still done by the villages and move at a pretty relaxed pace.

Kullu Dussehra Rath Yatra and the Seven-Day Programme

• Day 1, 20 October: The rath yatra. Lord Raghunath’s chariot is pulled through the town to Dhalpur while visiting deities walk alongside, each with its own band and devotees.
• Days 2 to 5: Daily rituals at the deity camps, open darshan, and evening folk performances on the main stage.
• Day 6: Mohalla, when deities visit one another’s camps. Many regulars call it the most atmospheric day of the week.
• Day 7, 26 October: Lanka Dahan on the Beas riverbank. The chariot then heads back to the Raghunath temple at Sultanpur, and the deities return to their villages.

Alongside the rituals, a large trade fair fills the ground with Kullu shawls, caps, woollens and local food. The Kullu Nati folk dance often draws the biggest circles of onlookers.

Weather in Kullu in Late October and What to Pack

It's usually clear out, with temps between 17 and 23 Celsius. Nights get colder fast, often dropping into single digits, so a good jacket is a must. You'll also want comfy walking shoes; the maidan and the paths leading to it mean a lot of standing and slow shuffling around.

How to Reach Kullu Dussehra by Road

Kullu is easily reached via NH-3. Most people opt for a private cab instead of public buses because it gives them more control over their luggage, schedule, and where they stop.

• Chandigarh to Kullu: about 250 km, taking 6 to 7 hours.
• Shimla to Kullu: around 235 km, also about 6 to 7 hours.
• Driving from Delhi to Kullu is a long haul, about 520 km, taking 12 to 13 hours. Leaving at night usually gets you into Kullu by morning.
• From Manali to Kullu, it's only about 40 km, usually 1.5 hours, but traffic will slow you down during the festival.

One-Way Taxi Booking to Kullu from Chandigarh, Delhi and Shimla

Need a taxi to Kullu for a short stay or somewhere else? Here you go. It's just a single trip, so you don't pay for them driving back empty. This also works if people in your group are arriving on different days.

Round-Trip Cab Booking for Kullu, Manali and Kasol

A round-trip cab would be your best bet. The same driver and car stick with you, which is handy when Kullu Dussehra traffic gets crazy and getting around locally is a mess. Lots of people do Kullu, then maybe Manali, Naggar, or the Parvati Valley.

Airport Cab from Bhuntar (Kullu–Manali Airport)

Flying into Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport) saves you a whole day of driving. Book an airport pickup, and you'll normally reach Dhalpur in under an hour. The driver watches your flight, so if there's a delay, they'll know.

Book Your Kullu Cab on WhatsApp

To book a taxi to Kullu, just WhatsApp +91 9258722629. We'll sort out the rest.

All you do is send them:

1. Where you want to be picked up, where you're going, and the date.
2. How many people and how much luggage.
3. If it's a one-way or round-trip.

We'll send you a few car options with a final price that includes everything. Once you confirm, you'll get the driver and car details before they show up. The price quoted is the price you'll pay.

More Benefits on the CabBazar Mobile App

The CabBazar app also gives you extra perks. If you like managing things yourself, download it. You get special deals on some bookings, can track your trip live, save addresses, and easily rebook for your ride back. Having it all in one app cuts stress during busy weeks like Dussehra.

Planning Tips for Dussehra Week

Book in advance: Hotels fill up fast and prices go way up. Bhuntar and Manali are okay places to stay though, and a taxi makes getting to Kullu easy. Try to get there before noon on the first day. They close off streets near Dhalpur for the rath yatra, so drivers will drop you at the closest point they can get to.

The Mandi to Kullu road gets busy, and landslides happen after the monsoon. Local drivers get updates throughout the day. Also, carry some cash. Small stalls at the fair might only take cash, and the ATMs by the fair get swamped