Rath yatra held to mark Basant Panchmi in Kullu

Our Correspondent

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Kullu, January 30

A “rath yatra” was held to celebrate Basant Panchmi at Dhalpur Maidan here today. The festivities commenced from the Raghunath temple. Idols of Lord Rama, Sita and Hanuman were brought in a beautifully decorated palanquin from the temple and placed in a wooden chariot.

Maheshwar Singh, scion of the erstwhile royal family, who is also the “chharibardar” (chief caretaker) of Lord Raghunath, participated in the traditional yatra.

The rath was pulled by hundreds of devotees from the northern end of Dhalpur Maidan to the camp temple in the middle, as was done during Kullu Dasehra.

Various rituals were carried out in the camp temple. People had come from across the district to witness the festivities.

Earlier, a person guised as Hanuman ran around, brushing people with his vermilion-laden body. According to a local belief, Hanuman’s touch is auspicious.

The chariot was later pulled back and idols were taken back to the temple.

The tradition is believed to have survived since the advent of the idols here during the mid-17th century. However, the tradition of rath yatra was revived in 2009 after 48 years.

Holi festivities will be held for the next 40 days at the Raghunath temple and members of the Mahant community will play with gulal and sing traditional songs in streets.

KANGRA: Basant Panchmi was celebrated today with enthusiasm at Old Kangra which attracted a large number of people.

Kangra SDM Jatin Lal, who was the chief guest of the function, said, “Basant Panchmi marks the onset of spring. It is celebrated all over India with people worshipping Goddess Saraswati, who is known as the goddess of knowledge and wisdom”.

Kangra MC chief Ashok Sharma said Basant Panchmi indicated that the days of ignorance and gloom are over. Students and artistes presented cultural programmes organised by the local Municipal Council.