The Kullu Valley is a wide-open valley formed by the Beas River between Manali and Largi. The Kullu Valley lies between the Pir Panjal, Lower Himalayan and Great Himalayan Ranges. The Kullu valley is mainly known for its temples and hills covered with cedar and deodar forests and apple orchards.
Cultural and Spiritual perspectives
The Kullu valley is Known as ‘Devbhoomi’ ( the land of God) because of its divine culture and temples. The people here worship the deities who are rishis, serpent gods and other powerful gods and goddesses mentioned in ancient Indian scriptures. There are beautiful temples dedicated to these deities in every village.
Fairs and festivals celebrated in the valley are an essential part of the native ethos. These fairs have great religious and economic significance for the people here. Many other festivals are celebrated in Kullu Valley. But Dussehra is the most famous festival in the valley. The most attractive of this fair is the victory of excellent over evil.
However, Kullu Dussehra differs in some ways from the Dussehra celebrations in other parts of the country. It displays the cultural ethos of the people and their deep spiritual faiths which are shown during this festival with traditional songs, dances and dresses. It starts on Vijayadashami and lasts for per week. There’s a motivating story behind the start of the Dussehra Festival. And even now, the internationally famous Dussehra of Kullu is widely known within the same tradition.
Do you know when and how Kullu Dussehra started? Please read this post: Kullu Dussehra – The Beginning of Dussehra.
Almost every village of Kullu has some festival every year. Peepal Jatra / Vasantotsava (Spring Festival), Shamshi Birsu, Winter Carnival Manali, Kahika, Fagli etc. are some of the famous festivals of Kullu Valley.
There is an upscale tradition of people arts in Kullu. the wonderful temple carvings, vibrant handicrafts, spectacular folk dances and melodious songs show the sensitivity of the people. The exquisitely built temples, castles, and forts are monuments of complicated architecture and sculpture that flourished within the valley in the past.
Traditional wear and Lifestyle
The people of Kullu Valley live a simple life and perseverance. People’s clothes have changed over time. But in the ceremony people wear traditional dress. People wear different dresses according to the occasion. Traditional wear includes Topi (Himachali Cap), Chola (long woollen coat), Suthan (like tight pants), Pattu (traditional dress for women), Shawl, Thipu (datu) etc.
There are many forms of dance and ‘Nati’ is the most popular form of dance in the valley. On special occasions, dancers dress up in their traditional costumes. Generally, there are twelve to sixteen dancers but any number of dancers can participate as the dance progresses. Usually, they dance in a circle.
Best places to visit in Kullu
Kullu, along with Manali, is a favourite hill station. The panoramic view and the snow-capped mountains, deodar forests, rivers and apple orchards have attracted many feature filmmakers. There are many places to visit and adventure. Some of the most popular places to visit in Kullu are:
- Kullu-Manali
- Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu
- Kasol
- Manikarn
- Jalori Pass
- Shoja
- Anajling in Banjar
- Solang Valley
- Malana
- Manali
- Bijli Mahadev Temple
- Sainj
- Handima Mata Temple, Manali
- Lugvalley and so many…
Kullu valley is a prominent spot for adventure. Some of Kullu valley’s activities include trekking, river rafting, mountaineering, paragliding, and hiking. Angling is another adventure which was liked by the locals as well as tourists. Climbers can trek around the early Beas Kund region, Hanuman Tibba and Dev Tibba.
Tour and Travel
We also offer trekking and camping in the valley as per the availability. So if you are interested in trekking and camping in the valley or want to visit the valley, please get in touch with us at info@waysfare.com
