262 deities arrive to take part in Kullu Dasehra festival

The grand spiritual congregation of deities during the Kullu Dasehra festival has begun with resplendent fervour. As many as 262 gods and goddesses from across the district have arrived to take part in this centuries-old festival. Accompanied by their ‘devloos’ (oracles and attendants), these divine guests have journeyed from Kullu, Manali, Banjar and Anni subdivisions to attend the iconic festival.

Yet, the event has faced administrative hurdles, as many deities are still awaiting formal registration. The current count remains provisional, as the International Kullu Dasehra Festival Committee had extended invitations to 332 deities this year. Most of them have arrived and are settled in temporary camps specially erected for them.

Dot Ram Thakur, president of the Kullu Kardar Sangh and the Kardar (caretaker) of Mata Dashami Warda, said, “As many as 262 deities have registered for Dasehra so far.” As the registration process is still on, the final tally of divine participants is expected to rise.

In Kullu town, the air reverberates with the sacred sounds of conches, drums and shehnai at the Dhalpur ground where the deities are camping in their makeshift sanctuaries. The atmosphere is steeped in devotion as rituals are performed and offerings are made. Devotees shoulder ornate palanquins, carrying their gods from the camps to the temporary shrine of Lord Raghunath, the valley’s presiding deity.

The scene is a harmonious blend of divinity and community. Traditional music intertwines with priestly chants, creating a mesmerising spectacle of unity. The devotees regard these camps with temple-like reverence and perform morning and evening prayers without fail. The ‘devloos’ carry their deities to other camps on a visit, symbolising divine interaction, while people mingle joyfully, transforming the festival into a celebration of both spiritual and human connections. The rhythmic cadence of drums and trumpets during these encounters adds to the enchantment.

Lord Raghunath’s camp is the focal point of elaborate rituals. Following morning prayers, women devotees sing hymns and bhajans. The deity is ceremonially bathed, adorned with garlands and offered “bhog”, a sacred offering witnessed by hundreds of people. As tradition goes, prayers to Lord Raghunath are performed four times every day throughout the week-long festivities. With divine rituals, melodious instruments and heartfelt devotion, the Kullu Dasehra continues to embody the sacred bond between the divine and the human.

Dignitaries, including Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana and Chairperson of the Himachal Pradesh Women’s Commission Vidya Negi, attended the second cultural evening of the International Kullu Dasehra Festival on Friday. They were joined by Indira Thakur, wife of Festival Committee president Sunder Singh Thakur, along with Zila Parishad member Asha Thakur, Deepika and Aruna. Deputy Commissioner and Festival Committee vice-president Torul S Raveesh extended a warm welcome to all. The evening concluded with captivating performances by various artistes, including star performer Ajay Chauhan.