Efforts on to settle dispute between followers of 2 deities

Dipender Manta
Tribune News Service
Mandi, October 21

The week-long International Kullu Dasehra festival is abuzz with religious activities where anyone can have a glimpse of over 200 deities together at Dhalpur Ground here.

The presence of deities is the main attraction of the event, who visit from far-flung areas every year to pay obeisance to Lord Raghunath, the chief deity of the event. Among them are two deities, Balu Nag and Shringi Rishi from Banjar, who were kept under strict police vigil during the event. The reason is the dispute among followers of both deities since 2010. Due to that, the deities and their followers are not allowed to join Rath Yatra of Kullu Dasehra.

The deity society of Kullu district had failed to resolve the matter which is pending in the court.

As per traditions, the palanquin of the superior deity is carried on the right side of Lord Raghunath during Dasehra, while for many decades, Shringi Rishi, the guru of Lord Rama, used to occupy that place. Later the place was occupied by Balu Nag, who is considered Lakshaman, after Shringi Rishi boycotted the ceremony over some dispute after 1971.

The dispute erupted after both deities came to participate and sought to occupy the same place. Every year, they participate in the festival but are not allowed to take part in Rath Yatra.

Talking to The Tribune, Jai Chand Thakur, president, Kardar Sangh, Kullu, said he would organise a meeting of the deity society after Kullu Dasehra to come to any conclusion over the issue. “In 2012, the battle for supremacy was settled by the High Court that had directed the organisers to honour Shringi Rishi. But later, the followers of Balu Nag had filed a review petition in the High Court, challenging the orders and the matter is still pending,” he said.

He said this year, 266 deities arrived here to participate in the event.

The row

As per traditions, the palanquin of the superior deity is carried on the right side of Lord Raghunath during Dasehra. For many decades, Shringi Rishi, the guru of Lord Rama, used to occupy that place. Later the place was occupied by Balu Nag, who is considered Lakshaman, after Shringi Rishi boycotted the ceremony over some dispute after 1971. The dispute erupted after both deities came to participate and sought to occupy the same place.